HKIS rejects LCMS lawsuit accusations, vows to defend and operate normally

In an escalating dispute over the management of one of Hong Kong's premier international schools, the Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) has strongly dismissed allegations of contract violations leveled by its founding body, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). The school, which oversees daily operations at Hong Kong International School (HKIS), described the claims as baseless and misleading, insisting it will maintain normal operations amid the legal battle.

The conflict erupted when the LCMS filed a lawsuit, accusing HKISAL of repeatedly breaching a 2013 Operating Agreement by turning HKIS into an exclusive enclave for the affluent, rather than the inclusive, Christian-values-driven community institution it was founded to be in 1966. 

The church, which owns the Repulse Bay campus and has educated over 175,000 students globally, pointed to HKIS's amassed reserves exceeding HK$2.8 billion and nearly HK$800 million in surpluses over five years as evidence of profiteering through high fees and debentures. 

It demands that HKIS comply or threatens to terminate the agreement.

"If necessary, the LCMS is prepared to evict HKIS and establish Hong Kong Pacific School on the existing HKIS Repulse Bay Campus," it added. "The LCMS is ready to create what HKIS should legally be: a world-class, socially and economically inclusive educational resource in Hong Kong for everyone, not just the wealthy, privileged few." It also noted the more affordable, accessible alternative with enhanced scholarships and no priority access fees.

HKISAL, which received the summons on September 10, expressed deep disappointment in the LCMS's decision to pursue litigation after years of negotiations aimed at a resolution benefiting the school. 

The association affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students, parents, staff, and the broader international education community in Hong Kong. 

It emphasized that the HKIS campuses remains fully operational and unaffected by the proceedings.

The LCMS has long viewed the suit as a last resort, having warned HKISAL in 2022 of potential campus loss and attempted discreet resolutions to protect the school's reputation.