(KIWA Staff Photo)Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — A regional association serving Christian schools across four states will begin operating under Dordt University’s Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE) as part of a newly announced partnership.
Heartland Christian Schools, formerly known as District 6, is part of Christian Schools International and supports schools in northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, and Nebraska. Member schools collaborate through Heartland on professional learning, leadership development, and other shared programs.
Under the new arrangement, CACE will provide administrative leadership and support for Heartland. Josh Bowar and Lindsay Laurich will serve as co-directors. Heartland will keep its name, mission, and regional network throughout the transition, which is expected to be completed by November 2026.
Leadership Change Prompts Discussion About Future
The transition follows the resignation of Heartland Coordinator Nicki Kuiper, who stepped down to focus on her health and recovery. Heartland’s executive board thanked her for years of leadership and her work supporting Christian educators across the region.
After Kuiper’s decision, the board considered how to provide continuity for member schools while maintaining Heartland’s identity and programs. Those conversations led to the partnership with Dordt’s CACE, which the university describes as a natural extension of CACE’s mission to strengthen Christian school leadership, promote innovation, and support networks of faith-based schools. Dordt says the partnership allows Heartland’s long-standing mission to continue while connecting member schools to broader resources available through CACE and the university.
Existing Programs Will Continue
Heartland plans to continue its annual convention, Future Leader Cohort, board workshops, administrator team meetings, and other professional learning opportunities. The new structure is expected to expand access to CACE’s leadership development programs, research, educational resources, and training opportunities.
Heartland says it will seek feedback from member schools as the administrative transition moves forward. Dordt leaders emphasize that the partnership is designed to strengthen Heartland’s mission rather than replace it, preserving the organization’s regional focus while expanding the support available to Christian educators across the Midwest.
Heartland’s office is already located on Dordt’s campus in Sioux Center, and the organization says the partnership will help maintain its local identity while strengthening collaboration among Christian schools in the region.
