The 2024-25 school year is underway at Lake Center Christian School, with 950 students, 512 families, 250 employees, and Dr. Tim McAboy as the new Head of School, leading LCCS into the future.

After an extensive search, the LCCS Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. McAboy from a national pool of candidates in the spring. Dr. McAboy began his tenure on July 1, reinforcing the school’s steadfast dedication to Christ-centered education, a commitment that has been unwavering for the past 78 years. He has brought a passion for Jesus, students and their families, and faculty and staff.

“I was excited about this opportunity after learning about the school’s mission and rich history, which displays generations of God’s faithfulness. I was even more excited when I visited the school and saw firsthand the love and dedication of the faculty, staff, and school community,” he said. “It is evident that God is doing great things in and through this school, and I’m excited to see what He will continue to do.”

LCCS assists Christian families and their churches in preparing students for a lifetime of learning and service to Christ. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Cognia. LCCS offers a comprehensive curriculum with a Biblical worldview, values diversity in ethnicity, economics, and learning styles, and guides students to develop Christian character. 

Dr McAboy’s Experience, Dedication

Previously, Dr. McAboy served seven years as Head of School at Zeeland Christian School in Zeeland, Michigan, a private Christian school with over 1,000 students. He has also served as Principal of Wheaton Christian Grammar School in Winfield, Illinois, as well as Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Student Teaching at Taylor University in Indiana. At Lexington Christian Academy in Kentucky, Dr. McAboy filled the roles of Elementary Principal for Grades 4-6 and fourth and fifth-grade teacher. His background also includes mission work in Taiwan.

Dr. McAboy’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and Christ-centered education. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Elementary Education from Spring Arbor University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Michigan. 

The LCCS community has warmly received Dr. McAboy’s leadership. The Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for having a gifted and godly leader at Lake Center whose enthusiasm for education and joy in the Lord is contagious. 

Lake Center’s Search Committee spent many hours praying for God’s direction, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and checking references. Members were all in favor of inviting Dr. McAboy and his family to Lake Center. 

Dr. McAboy is married to his wife, April, who is serving as an educational aide this year at LCCS. They have three children: Lily and Grace, who attend Calvin University in Michigan, and Joey, a sophomore at LCCS.

New Executive Director of Operations

Lake Center Christian is also thankful to have Mr. Brett Fogle as the Executive Director of Operations. He began at LCCS at the end of the 2023-24 school year and brings extensive experience and education to the role. Mr.Fogle is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with the Accountancy Board of Ohio and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Ohio Society of CPAs. He completed his ACSI Executive Director Professional Certification. 

His educational background includes earning a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Malone University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He received his Master’s in Tax Law from the University of Akron College of Business and is a current instructional specialist for the Malone University Division of Business.

“I am beyond excited to have started my journey here at Lake Center! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve on campus. My wife, Susan, and I are huge proponents of Christian education and are thankful for the Christian care and love we have already felt from the community,” he said.

Mr. Fogle’s children, Andrew, 9th grade, and Emma, 8th grade, are current students of LCCS.

Principals, Assistant Principals at LCCS

Lake Center announced Mrs. Jenny Neel as the new Elementary Principal ahead of the 2024-25 school year. Mrs. Neel has been an educator at Lake Center for nine years and has 16 years of experience in education.

“I  enjoy the opportunities I have to work with students, parents, and colleagues to grow in our love for the Lord while working toward academic excellence and meaningful learning experiences,” she said. “My prayer for my students is that they will encounter Jesus and become fully devoted followers of Him.”

Mrs. Neel earned a Bachelor of Science in Education/English Degree from Kent State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati. She is married to Kevin, and they have two children: Jordan is a freshman at Taylor University, and Mackenzie is in her junior year at Lake Center.

Mrs. Neel works alongside the Elementary Assistant Principal, Mr. David Wright. He earned his Bachelor of the Arts in Christian Education of Youth Degree from Cedarville University and his Master’s in Library Information Science from Kent State University. He is in his 11th year at LCCS.

Mr. Wright is married to Holly, a team teacher at LCCS. They have four children: Micah, a freshman at Walsh University; Aliya, 11th grade; Connor, 7th grade; Kiera, 4th grade; and Gradyn, 1st grade.

Mrs. Crystal Maarschalk is in her fourth year as Secondary Principal at Lake Center. She has been serving the Lord at LCCS since 2003, shortly after graduating from Malone University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She has also earned her Master’s in Education Administration from Liberty University. 

“I love the community and family atmosphere at Lake Center! Several years ago, God started directing my steps toward leadership in Christian Schools – following His prompting is always the right response,” she said. “As I live out my faith and have conversations with students, my prayer is that they will glean wisdom on navigating their Christian journey and deepening their relationship with Jesus.”

Mrs. Maarschalk works closely with Mr. Heath Lambright, the newly appointed Secondary Assistant Principal. Mr. Lambright first joined LCCS in 2004 as a teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics Degree from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy Degree from Ohio University. Mr. Lambright and his wife, Angela, have three children: Benjamin, who is 20; Kaitlyn, a senior at Lake Center; and Nathan, a sophomore at LCCS.