HKIS Settles Out of Court, Ends Decades-Long Ties with Lutheran Church
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) has resolved its bitter legal dispute with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) through an out-of-court settlement, bringing an end to the church's 58-year involvement with the prestigious school. The agreement, announced by board chairman Harold Kim, includes a substantial payment from HKIS and the formal termination of the Operating Agreement that had governed the relationship since the church co-founded the institution in 1966.
Key Points
- HKIS board chairman Harold Kim informed parents of the settlement in a letter on Tuesday
- Both parties agreed to terminate the Operating Agreement, ending LCMS's governance role at HKIS
- LCMS will discontinue its legal proceedings against HKIS Association Limited in the Hong Kong High Court
- The church previously accused the school of serving only the rich and privileged while amassing excessive financial reserves
- LCMS stated the settlement funds will be used exclusively for its religious, charitable and educational work
Why It Matters
The settlement marks the end of a significant chapter in Hong Kong's educational history, as the LCMS's involvement with HKIS dated back to the school's founding in 1966. Parents can expect stability in tuition fees despite the settlement, as HKIS has emphasized it remains financially strong and that philanthropic donations will not be used to fund the payment.
The settlement marks the end of a significant chapter in Hong Kong's educational history, as the LCMS's involvement with HKIS dated back to the school's founding in 1966. Parents can expect stability in tuition fees despite the settlement, as HKIS has emphasized it remains financially strong and that philanthropic donations will not be used to fund the payment.