Pending negotiations, Glasgow RPC would acquire the legal entity that includes Red Lion Christian Academy, Red Lion Evangelical Free’s church building and the rest of its 37.5-acre complex at 1400 Red Lion Road. Red Lion’s congregation may stay on at the site for a year rent-free.

Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church (a PCA congregation) in Bear, Delaware is moving ahead with plans to acquire the financially troubled Red Lion Christian Academy and institute “sweeping reforms” after church members overwhelmingly endorsed the plan Sunday.

A majority of Glasgow members — 93 percent — cast votes supporting the acquisition in what was a significant hurdle for the reorganization, leaders said. The 30-year-old school is nearly $6 million in debt, in part because of falling enrollment, the recession and controversy surrounding its football program.

“While several challenges remain, we are hopeful that together with the Red Lion family we will be able to save this school,” the Rev. Chuck F. Betters, senior pastor, said in a statement after Sunday’s vote.

If the deal goes through, the school will see significant changes in leadership, values and financial operations, Betters said. Christian education and academics will be top priority — football will not.

The school admitted to violations of state athletic rules last year that included too many football games, excessive practices and improperly managing financial aid. Also controversial was Red Lion’s push to build a nationally recognized powerhouse team.

“We believe we can still have a powerful football program that reaches out and touches young men who wouldn’t otherwise make it. We believe that’s possible with some changes in priorities and shifting of values as we go forward,” Betters said. “I don’t envision us going all over the nation to play football.”

Red Lion, which enrolls 700 students in pre-K through 12th grades, approached Betters for help five months ago, he said. The school has a rolling debt of $1.7 million and owes $4.2 million on a Wells Fargo mortgage, leaders say.

It was founded by Red Lion Evangelical Free Church, whose members voted 124-5 earlier this month to accept the contract with the Glasgow church.

Glasgow will take over management of the school Dec. 1 and seek a deal with Red Lion creditors, Betters said. He plans an ambitious fundraising campaign that would render Red Lion debt-free.
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