On Sunday, January 18, the Adventist Church in Minnesota gathered for a special constituency session to discuss the financial challenges facing Maplewood Academy. The session was called by the Minnesota Conference Board of Trustees, which met in December to set the agenda and determine the information to be shared.
The primary purpose of the meeting was to provide clarity to the Minnesota Conference membership regarding the current financial status of Maplewood Academy, particularly in light of the conference’s broader financial realities. Throughout the session, intentional time was set aside for prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance as reports were presented and decisions considered.
Pastor Sean Lee, who also serves as a member of the Conference Board of Trustees, reflected on the tone of the meeting, saying, “I sensed that the conference leadership made a sincere effort to be transparent and honest regarding the issue we are addressing. I am confident that God will continue to lead the Minnesota Conference in the right direction.”
As part of the process, the board initiated a conference-wide survey on Adventist education, distributed to households through multiple channels including email, postcards, social media, church announcements, newsletters and bulletins. The survey provided valuable insight into how families are thinking about educational options for their children and the factors influencing those decisions.
A special committee reviewed the survey results and developed a set of recommended actions. These recommendations—most of which focused on further study or strengthening existing processes—were reviewed and voted on by the board before being brought to the constituency. Among the more significant areas for consideration were the development of a plan to hire a development director and/or recruiter, and the implementation of a financial roadmap designed to provide clear benchmarks and triggers for future warnings or additional special sessions, if needed.
Conference president Jeff Scoggins emphasized the importance of understanding the reality facing the academy, stating, “In my opinion, the most important part of this meeting is constituents’ clear understanding of the realities we are facing. If Maplewood must close, we can’t say we didn’t see it coming. So if we believe in the school’s mission effectiveness, then it is up to each one of us to provide both the funding and the students required to continue operating.”
In addition, the Minnesota Conference Articles and Bylaws Committee recommended a change to the way the Maplewood Academy Board is structured. The proposal shifted board appointments from being elected by the constituency at large to being appointed by the Conference Board of Education. This change, which was approved by the constituency, brings the conference into alignment with recommendations from the Mid-America Union education code and allows for more strategic, mission-aligned planning for the academy.
All but one of the recommended actions were approved during the session, with one minor item tabled for further review at the Minnesota Conference’s regularly scheduled constituency session on May 17, 2026.
While the information presented during the meeting was weighty, the session also included meaningful reminders of Maplewood Academy’s impact and God’s past leading. Attendees were blessed by a musical performance from academy students, as well as personal testimonies from alumni, parents and others who shared how Maplewood Academy shaped their faith, their familie, and their lives.
Jeremy Everhart, principal of Maplewood Academy, shared that the session was deeply encouraging. “It was truly heartening to see such a diverse group of constituents,” he said. “The vocal support we received wasn’t just encouraging; it was a powerful reminder of how deeply the Minnesota Conference cares about the future of our students. I came away from the session with a renewed sense of purpose and the clear understanding that we are all moving in the same direction to ensure our God-given mission thrives.”
Pastor Keith Mosier of the Winona Seventh-day Adventist Church echoed that sense of shared commitment. He noted that many attendees arrived early to greet one another and pray together. “There was a special excitement mixed with concern,” Mosier said. “The question on everyone’s minds was what can be done to keep Maplewood Academy open. We don’t want to see this flagship institution in our conference have to close.” He added that church members who traveled long distances felt the meeting was “well worth the trip,” and left committed to continued prayer and financial support.
Chad Dungan, a teacher at Minnetonka Christian Academy, reflected on the balance of realism and encouragement. “The constituency meeting was challenging because we are facing the reality of rising costs of Adventist education and dealing with serious financial issues in the Minnesota Conference,” he stated. “It was also inspiring to see hundreds of people come out to show their support for Adventist education. Our conference office team did a good job communicating the reality of the situation and promoting proper fiscal stewardship. I believe we took a positive step toward protecting Adventist education in Minnesota. As always, I am encouraged to know that the gospel will go forward in this territory because God is in charge.”
Marina Johnson, an elected delegate from the Pathways Seventh-day Adventist Church, described the gathering as “uplifting, with inspiring testimonies, honest dialogue and a collective trust in God’s leading for the future of Maplewood Academy.” She added, “I hope that whatever the outcome, we will continue to trust that it is God’s plan, for His glory and in the best interest of the students, the school and the stewardship of the property.”
Maplewood Academy was originally established by the Minnesota Conference constituency in the 1880s. Though it has operated under different names and in different locations over the years, it has continued uninterrupted through the faithful support of parents, alumni, members and donors.
We continue to pray that God will guide and sustain this ministry to our young people. Those who feel called to support Maplewood Academy’s mission of educating students for eternity are invited to partner through prayer and, if able, financial support.
