Bethel Lutheran School Board
The Bethel School Board meets the third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. To request an agenda item or to attend a meeting, please email the school HERE or call 309-266-6592.
Mr. Ryan Loudermilk
Chairman
Contact Mr. Loudermilk
Mr. Ryan Loudermilk serves as Bethel's Board Chairman, bringing valuable expertise from his career, where he leads complex programs and provides leadership for large initiatives. He is personally invested in the school's mission, as his children attend Bethel, and he is passionate about providing quality Christian education. Mr. Loudermilk draws inspiration from his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31: "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." In his leisure time, he enjoys coaching and playing soccer, watching Colts football, and playing golf with his brothers. His favorite part of Bethel is the Christian family atmosphere and the strong bonds he has formed with everyone in the community.
Chairman
Contact Mr. Loudermilk
Mr. Ryan Loudermilk serves as Bethel's Board Chairman, bringing valuable expertise from his career, where he leads complex programs and provides leadership for large initiatives. He is personally invested in the school's mission, as his children attend Bethel, and he is passionate about providing quality Christian education. Mr. Loudermilk draws inspiration from his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31: "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." In his leisure time, he enjoys coaching and playing soccer, watching Colts football, and playing golf with his brothers. His favorite part of Bethel is the Christian family atmosphere and the strong bonds he has formed with everyone in the community.
Mrs. Jamie Burk
Treasurer
Contact Mrs. Burk
Serving as Bethel's Treasurer, Mrs. Jamie Burk brings significant financial expertise to the Board, stemming from her career as a registered CPA and a retired accounting consultant from Caterpillar. Driven by her love for Christian education and a strong desire to keep the school financially healthy, she finds strength and guidance in two combined Bible verses: Hebrews 11:1, which speaks of faith, and Malachi 3:10, the tithing verse where God invites us to "Test me in this." She credits this combination with generating many blessings in her life. Having been a part of the school family and a prior board member, Mrs. Burk states that Bethel has always "felt like home," watching her own faith mature alongside her children's. Her current goal is to ensure the school is financially strong, thereby preserving its ability to provide a strong Christian education for years to come, while balancing this goal with the assurance of quality instructors and robust programs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, playing pickleball, reading, and even learning to play the piano.
Treasurer
Contact Mrs. Burk
Serving as Bethel's Treasurer, Mrs. Jamie Burk brings significant financial expertise to the Board, stemming from her career as a registered CPA and a retired accounting consultant from Caterpillar. Driven by her love for Christian education and a strong desire to keep the school financially healthy, she finds strength and guidance in two combined Bible verses: Hebrews 11:1, which speaks of faith, and Malachi 3:10, the tithing verse where God invites us to "Test me in this." She credits this combination with generating many blessings in her life. Having been a part of the school family and a prior board member, Mrs. Burk states that Bethel has always "felt like home," watching her own faith mature alongside her children's. Her current goal is to ensure the school is financially strong, thereby preserving its ability to provide a strong Christian education for years to come, while balancing this goal with the assurance of quality instructors and robust programs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, playing pickleball, reading, and even learning to play the piano.
Mr. Mark Gingerich
School Board Member
Contact Mr. Gingerich
Mr. Mark Gingerich serves as a board member at Bethel Lutheran School, motivated by his firm belief that education rooted in Christ has the power to shape both minds and hearts for eternity. As a business owner, parent, and active church member, he feels called to help steward a school environment where faith and learning walk hand in hand. His commitment began 15 years ago when his oldest son enrolled in the preschool, and since then, he has witnessed the impact of Godly teachers and a biblical curriculum. Mr. Gingerich is guided in his service by Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." His favorite Bible verse for personal reflection is 1 John 1:8-9, which speaks to confession and God's faithfulness to forgive. In his leisure time, he enjoys working with his wife and kids on their small farm, flying small private airplanes with his pilot's license, and visiting the beach in Florida with his family. He simply calls Bethel "amazing," describing it as a welcoming family where everyone is embraced with open arms. His goal on the board is to protect and strengthen the mission so that students are equipped academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
School Board Member
Contact Mr. Gingerich
Mr. Mark Gingerich serves as a board member at Bethel Lutheran School, motivated by his firm belief that education rooted in Christ has the power to shape both minds and hearts for eternity. As a business owner, parent, and active church member, he feels called to help steward a school environment where faith and learning walk hand in hand. His commitment began 15 years ago when his oldest son enrolled in the preschool, and since then, he has witnessed the impact of Godly teachers and a biblical curriculum. Mr. Gingerich is guided in his service by Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." His favorite Bible verse for personal reflection is 1 John 1:8-9, which speaks to confession and God's faithfulness to forgive. In his leisure time, he enjoys working with his wife and kids on their small farm, flying small private airplanes with his pilot's license, and visiting the beach in Florida with his family. He simply calls Bethel "amazing," describing it as a welcoming family where everyone is embraced with open arms. His goal on the board is to protect and strengthen the mission so that students are equipped academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Dr. Janice Kinsinger
School Board Member
Contact Dr. Kinsinger
Dr. Kinsinger holds degrees from a diverse set of institutions: the University of Illinois, Bradley University, and Ferris State University. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." This verse guides her approach as she aims to help people (students and adults) discover their unique values and grow into the roles God places before them. In her free time, Dr. Kinsinger enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, appreciating wildflowers and zinnias, spending time at the beach looking for beach glass, grand-sitting, connecting with friends and relatives, and continuing to learn about student learning and higher education.
School Board Member
Contact Dr. Kinsinger
Dr. Kinsinger holds degrees from a diverse set of institutions: the University of Illinois, Bradley University, and Ferris State University. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." This verse guides her approach as she aims to help people (students and adults) discover their unique values and grow into the roles God places before them. In her free time, Dr. Kinsinger enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, appreciating wildflowers and zinnias, spending time at the beach looking for beach glass, grand-sitting, connecting with friends and relatives, and continuing to learn about student learning and higher education.
Mrs. Jillian Smallenberger
School Board Member
Contact Mrs. Smallenberger
More about Mrs. Smallenberger coming soon!
School Board Member
Contact Mrs. Smallenberger
More about Mrs. Smallenberger coming soon!
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann
Principal
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Principal
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Mrs. Renata Anderson
Vice Principal
Contact Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Renata Anderson is a foundational member of the school staff, serving as the Vice Principal. She earned her degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and is guided by the belief that she can learn from every student, which makes her favorite part of the job the daily interaction with students. She finds comfort and direction in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose." When she steps away from her duties, Mrs. Anderson enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including walking, swimming, hiking, biking, cooking, reading, crafts, and putting together photo books.
Vice Principal
Contact Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Renata Anderson is a foundational member of the school staff, serving as the Vice Principal. She earned her degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and is guided by the belief that she can learn from every student, which makes her favorite part of the job the daily interaction with students. She finds comfort and direction in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose." When she steps away from her duties, Mrs. Anderson enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including walking, swimming, hiking, biking, cooking, reading, crafts, and putting together photo books.