From the Board of Trustees:  President Jack Tanselle

Over the last several years, Sycamore has developed a strong and supportive Board of Trustees.  This year, the Board welcomed seven new members at its first meeting in August:  Madeleine Briscoe-Smith (Sycamore Class of ’96), Laura Conder, Ann Merkel, Cecelia McDonnell, Monique McWilliams, Mike Rosiello and SSA President, Karen Vohra.  We look forward to the contributions that this strong new class of trustees will offer the Board.

Last year, the Board spent considerable time on three key initiatives.  The long-term financial health was enhanced through the approval and implementation of an Investment Policy, thanks to the leadership of the Finance Committee, chaired by Martin Bott.  The Board’s Marketing Task Force, made up of trustees, administrators and faculty, completed its work, resulting in a clearer and more consistent theme, look and feel for telling the Sycamore story.  Finally, one or more trustees participated on several of the 26 ISACS  Self-Study committees that led to the development and completion of Sycamore’s Self-Study Report.

Building off the momentum of last year’s successful initiatives, the Board this year has appointed another task force, to be chaired by Traci Caldwell.  The “Philosophy Task Force” will focus on long-term resource management for the school, leading the entire Board through a process that will analyze the critical financial, human and physical resources needed for the school to thrive through the next 25 years.  To provide some examples, some of the considerations likely to be analyzed include student enrollment and diversity goals; revenue drivers such as tuition, annual giving and other fundraising; and expenses, including employee compensation and benefits as well as financial aid.  The intended result is a concise philosophy statement, and related set of parameters, to guide annual budgeting as well as longer-term goal setting and resource planning.    

The Board will also focus this year on its annual activities, including the budgeting process, ongoing development efforts to raise funds for the school, and continuing education for the trustees regarding effective independent school boards.  Meetings of the Board are generally held on the fourth Monday of each month and are open to all members of the Sycamore community.  Comments and questions for the Board can also be sent to trustees@sycamoreschool.org.

Jack Tanselle

President, Board of Trustee