HKIS settles out of court and breaks ties with US-based church co-founder

An almost year-long legal dispute involving a prestigious Hong Kong international school and its US-based co-founder, a Lutheran church, has been resolved out of court, with the school making a substantial payment and ending its association with the religious body.

Harold Kim, chairman of the board of managers of Hong Kong International School (HKIS), announced the move in a letter to parents on Tuesday, pledging that the settlement would not result in fee increases.

“We are pleased to share that Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) have reached a mediated settlement,” he wrote.

“Under the terms of the settlement, the LCMS will discontinue its legal proceedings against HKISAL and both parties mutually agree to terminate the Operating Agreement, thereby concluding the LCMS’ governance role with regard to HKIS. We are pleased to have reached this resolution.”

He stressed that the settlement would not result in fee hikes.

“HKIS remains in a strong financial position. The settlement will not affect our planned investments in the future of the school. Future tuition adjustments will continue to be reviewed through HKIS’ normal annual budget process. The settlement will not affect tuition, nor will philanthropic donations be used to fund the settlement,” he said.