Each June, trustees, faculty and staff are invited to an "advance" (the opposite of a "retreat") at which we push our collective wisdom on specific topics pertaining to school function. This weekend, at the lovely home of a trustee overlooking Wild Harbor on Buzzards Bay, sixty of us openly entertained far-ranging issues and possibilities regarding budgetary responsibilities and--separately--residential life. We began by sharing what factors attracted us to Proctor, and why we retain our attachment to the school. Mike Henriques started, citing the community's adherence to its principles, practices and mission.

It is a risk to be honest about something you love in the company of others who share that passion, because each of us sees the community through our own experiences. We hold different cows to be sacred. In the supportive culture of these meetings, however, common purpose--the well-being of Proctor--enables us to reveal otherwise controversial priorities. Where could we exercise greater budgetary restraint, while making Proctor ever better?

Equal honesty is needed to consider matters of residential life. We're speaking of something much greater than dorm life here. Residential life includes all student activity outside of structured classes and afternoon activities. What are the unvarnished realities of free time? How can we protect the well-being of dorm parents who pour seemingly limitless energies into student life, structures and personal responsibilities?

Could dormitories be the vehicles for greater service to this community? The answers will come over time, as we process the thinking of this group. In the meantime, we worked hard, "pushed the envelope," and had some fun. Food was prepared and served by teams out of the garage.

During some free time, Board co-Chair Bill Peabody demonstrated that he's comfortable to be at the helm.

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