Last weekend's Trustee meetings were notable for the palpable optimism and positive energy generated by various presentations. A representative from our auditors (who serve 16 prep schools) delivered a report citing a variety of metrics that are highly encouraging both in contrast to our own history and against industry standards. For the first time, the school is budgeting to a surplus (rather than break even,) and affords a $350,000 Capital Replacement Budget with a ten-year schedule to retire old equipment, etc. Demand for admission to Proctor, and the resultant stability of our enrollment was described as "remarkable."
Mike Henriques followed by describing his personal journey through Proctor over 6-plus years as Head of School, recalling that he
thought he knew the school in 2004; and how his understanding of this community evolved through the experience of his son's four years at Proctor.
Mike proceeded to document how complex a community this is! We offer 359 students 139 different courses, 39 athletic teams and 21 afternoon activities. "This is," Mike assured Trustees, "a complicated model!"
At the same time, the complexities that comprise Proctor's model are balanced by simplicities: relationships that elevate students to interact with adults as young adults.
And 64 advisee groups that meet four times per week, (three assemblies plus Tuesday morning "advisory.")
One thing is certain: the energy building within the Board of Trustees will cause great things to happen. Speaking of the school spirit he sensed at Friday night's soccer game, one Trustee admitted he was "blown away." Emotion like this can stimulate capital giving. The nature of such an initiative is fast-evolving but not yet clear.
But the next Trustee weekend is just five weeks away, and it is an appropriate time to visualize our dreams.
We know--from experience--that dreams can come true.
