OVERVIEW OF THE COMMISSION
The members of the Commission on Schools, in partnership with the Executive Director, serve on behalf of the bishop diocesan to encourage and foster a strong Episcopal identity within and among the Episcopal schools in the diocese. The diocese certifies schools every four years, and the commission administers that process.
Under Canon 18.03, The Commission on Schools publishes a directory of schools; administers the Franklin Grant program; consults with parishes, missions, and other groups seeking to establish new schools and preschools; represents diocesan schools in professional organizations, and provides schools with legislative information and updates. Ultimately, the commission supports the exceptional work of our Episcopal school leaders in the diocese. Furthermore, the commission consults with heads of schools, directors, rectors, chaplains, other key administrators and teachers, vestries, and school boards on matters of governance, operations, spiritual formation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and professional development.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Reverend Ryan D. Newman, Ed.D.
As an Episcopal priest with 29 years of professional education and ministry experience, Ryan has served as a cathedral dean, rector, head of school, chaplain, operations director, teacher, coach, hospital chaplain, and non-profit executive director.
As both a priest and educator, the defining aspect of Ryan’s vocation has been his service and leadership to Episcopal communities and organizations amid periods of significant growth and change. He has been both an architect and a builder of groups, communities, programs, strategic visions, and even physical spaces throughout his career.
In addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Commission on Schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Ryan is the founding principal of Rite One Consulting, an Episcopal-centric consulting firm serving Episcopal schools, congregations, and organizations.
Ryan graduated from St. Margaret's Episcopal School in the Diocese of Los Angeles. He has a bachelor of arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He completed his Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, and his dissertation focused on the diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) perspectives and practices of independent school board members.
Ryan resides in Orange County, California, with his wife, Erin, a physician and professor at the University of California, Irvine, and their daughter, Lexie, who attends an Episcopal school.
THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION
On behalf of the Bishop of Los Angeles, The Commission on Schools is focused on helping our schools of the Diocese to thrive as lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom. The Commission’s purpose is primarily articulated through four guiding principles in our work with schools:
Fostering a strong Episcopal identity within and among the Episcopal schools in the Diocese.
Consulting with key stakeholders on Episcopal identity, governance and leadership, operations, financial sustainability, spiritual formation, outreach and community-based partnerships, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) initiatives, continuing education, and professional development.
Supporting and empowering the leaders of our Diocesan schools to be thoughtful, innovative, and responsible stewards of their institutions, nurturing the educational, spiritual, and emotional well-being of their school communities.
Advocating for our schools with organizations and governmental entities to safeguard private, faith-based education that upholds justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being.
REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS
OF THE COMMISSION
Ryan Bourke
Peter Reinke
Head of School [retired]
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