Steve O’Neil is the current Head at Vail Christian High School in Edwards, Colorado, As one of NextEds practicing school heads, he applies on-the-ground lessons, with specialized insight into the international market, single-gender education, and guiding diverse learners.

He also serves as U.S. Board Vice-Chair for Daystar University in Kenya and stays actively involved with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).

Past roles

• Private Schools’ Consultant, Curriculum Designers Inc.
• Head, Westminster Schools of Augusta
• Director, Haven Peace Academy (Tanzania)
• Principal, Minnehaha Academy

Tom Konjoyan is the current Head of Village Christian School in Los Angeles and has played a critical role in the region for 20 years. As one of NextEds practicing school heads, he is able to apply tangible thinking to our clients fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and school startup/turnaround.

He is the Treasurer of the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and also enjoys serving as the alumni interviewer for Harvard University.

Past Roles

• Founder, Students First Coalition
• Co-founder/Head, Oaks Christian School
• Director of Foundation, Corporate, and Major Gifts, World Vision

Jay Ferguson is the current Head of Grace Community School, the largest private school in East Texas, where he has been for 20+ years. As one of NextEd’s practicing school heads, he is able to engage on a relatable level, while providing expert counsel in school law and governance.

He is also chair of the Executive Board for the Association of Christians Schools International (ACSI), where he is able to use his knowledge for a broader impact—a passion that started when he stepped away from being an attorney to teach School Law and Governance at universities.

Past Roles

• President, CESA
• Board Chair, Texas Private School Association

Randy Brunk is an innovator in educational program development—including Reggio-inspired preschool, a FIRST Robotics Lab, and Take Flight, a targeted dyslexia program. He has a passion for growth planning, financial sustainability, personnel development, and talent acquisition.

He currently serves on the Core Team of the Christian Education Charitable Trust of the Maclellan Family Foundation and on the Accreditation Review Committee for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

Past Roles

• School Head, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
• School Head, Peoria Christian School
• Founding Board President, CESA
• President, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools
• Board Member, Ohio Association of Independent Schools

Gary Arnold has a wealth of education experience which serves as the foundation for tomorrow’s next big idea. Over four decades of school leadership, he has honed his skill and fruitfulness in board governance, executive formation, strategic planning, and advancement.

He directs the Head of School Certification Program for the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and serves on the board for Council for American Private Education in Washington D.C. He and his wife have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and no pets.

Past Roles

• President, Little Rock Christian Academy
• School Head, Chicago, IL
• School Head, Cape Cod, MA
• Lobbyist, Wisconsin Council of Religious & Independent Schools
• Lobbyist, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools

Kurt Unruh is a visionary leader who sensed a responsibility to advance Christian schools, moving from attorney to school founder to founder of NextEd. He loves advancing business initiatives that serve Christian causes, and has specific skill in technology, law, governance, and finance.

He serves as the SVP Global Business Director for the Association of Christian Schools International, a further step into guiding of Christian schools, after sitting as a former board member.

Past roles

• Founder/Head, Valor Christian High School
• Charter Member & Executive Board, CESA