The administrative team huddled for four hours Wednesday morning to consider next year's budget. This was an extraordinary event because--even in a community favoring democratic and egalitarian processes--such matters (preliminary budget discussions) are typically the domain of the Head and Business Manager.

Eventually, of course, the budget will be submitted for approval by Trustees. But a budget model endorsed by fourteen people who live and breathe Proctor will carry weight with those whose responsibility is the fiduciary health of the school. The issues are weighty. Proctor's approach to education is extremely expensive. Do we have to have one teacher to every four-and-a half students (translating into small advisee groups and no classes exceeding 15 students)?

Wednesday's exercise started with almost no budget; we were charged with building up. What is it that ensures the success of the mission?

One-third of the student population receives $2,000,000 in financial aid. How easy it would be to cut here! But--more than buildings and property--we define ourselves as a human school, so that must be protected to retain the diversity and talent that distinguishes this place. Huge programs are evaluated: tutorial supports, arts, the role of athletics...

And our commitment to experiential learning...can we afford it? It happens that thirty-something kids just returned from fall trimesters in Spain, France, Costa Rica and on Ocean Classroom. Their testimony is ringing in everyone's ears.

The outcome of Wednesday's exercise is still ahead of us. What is certain, however, is confident endorsement of the systems--expensive as they are--that enable Proctor to retain the position we enjoy today in the universe of high school education.