Snow Day Make-Up Policy: The following is the snow day make-up policy at Berkshire Country Day School: “All snow days in excess of five will be made up prior to the end of the school year.” (BCD Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes: March 9, 2006)
As of Friday, February 25, there have been five snow days this year. If a sixth snow day is necessary, the first possible make-up day being considered by the administrative team is Monday, March 28, 2011, the faculty in-service day. We recognize that some students may not be able to attend school that day because of previously arranged plans.
Academic Team: With the approach of the hiring season, and in anticipation of the year ahead, Paul F., Carmen DP, and I have begun looking at sectioning and advisor assignments for the 2011-2012 school year.
Admissions: With the addition of new students since our last meeting, current enrollment now stands at 211.
Ten families (with a total of 16 prospective students) attended our January Open House. The attendance is encouraging because such a critical mass demonstrates the level of interest for all families. The “question and answer” session is always richer with more in attendance because every level and dimension of the school is covered. It is also worth noting that three of these families have attended our popular BCD Music and Me program this year.
Communications: Our new website launched in late December 2010. Thanks goes to the huge investment of time and work by Maxine, great design by Jenny Wright, writing input by parent Barbara Newman, editing by members of the admin team, faculty, and staff, and the skillful creative forces at Studio Two. Solving the problems of our former website, our new site offers a more compelling introduction to BCD and is easier to maintain. Visitors can access MyBCD and student testimonials. A reliable inquiry form links prospective parents to Amy’s office. Former students and families can access news and information about the School, events, and friends.
Maxine’s last day will be on February 25th. I am deeply appreciative of all that she has done for BCD during the past few years. With an exemplary work ethic, she has overseen the transformation of BCD’s communications efforts. Highlights include establishing BCD’s brand and graphic identity; creating and launching two complete website projects; implementing and revising professional advertising and marketing plans; redesigning and producing a complete system of admission materials; producing a steady stream of press releases; overseeing the creation of and maintaining MyBCD; developing BCD Masters, and supervising the focus on many other strategic plan initiatives. This is an important and impressive list. I am confident that I speak on behalf of the entire Board and our community when I express deep gratitude for her legacy of significant accomplishments and tireless advocacy for BCD.
I am pleased to share that John Neiner has assumed responsibility for managing the responsibilities of the communications office including oversight of MyBCD and the School’s website, the execution of the communications plan and press releases, and the production of graphic design projects. John will continue to teach two classes, and he will be on campus full-time for two days a week. He will also coordinate responsibility for larger graphic design projects on a project-by-project basis on other days.
Development: Preparation for Berkshire Country Day School’s new signature event and annual fundraiser for financial aid is well underway. Co-Chairs Marianna Poutasse and Donna Kittredge are doing an amazing job leading a committee of over twenty talented and creative parents in the planning process and preparation for “ArtSoiree!,” that will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2011. This year, “ArtSoirée” will be held in the beautiful barn and gallery space at Stonover Farm in Lenox, which has been graciously donated to BCD for this premier event. So, please get out your calendars and save the date! Current, past, and future BCD parents, community members and friends will be invited to enjoy live music, fine food, drink, and desserts while bidding at both a silent and live auction featuring the varied and expressive works of many of our own community members and friends of BCD.
And, just as she has transformed our communications department, I extend special thanks and appreciation to Maxine for all that she has done to re-establish the Development office at BCD. She implemented a professionally managed series of annual activities, led the efforts and accomplishments of others, and raised significant and much-need funds. She is leaving a solid foundation for her successor. We look forward to formally celebrating her and her many contributions to BCD later this month. You will be receiving and invitation.
Director of Development Search Update: Over 35 applications were received, including candidates from Carney Sandoe (a Boston firm specializing in independent school administrative and faculty recruitment) and Independent Thinking (a smaller search firm). After conducting extensive phone interviews with a group of candidates with independent school experience, five finalists were selected and invited to visit BCD. Each finalist participated in a full day of interviews and meetings with various members of the school community. After being interviewed by me, each met with every member of the admin team, spent time with Maxine and Joanne DelCarpine, met with consultant Joe Hornick, and was interviewed by current trustees. We have been fortunate to attract a great pool of talented professionals, initial feedback from individuals that have met the candidates has been very positive, and I hope to make a decision within a week.
Facilities: We expect a draft of a complete Master Facilities Plan from Centerbrook Architects very soon. In advance of receiving the full plan, I received the a letter with proposed cost estimates (included in the Board Packet) of a few projects that should provide the Board and various Board committees with information to consider during a prioritization and planning phase once the full MFP is reviewed and adopted by the Board.
Finance: The 2010-2011 fiscal year continues to track on course. With the addition of new students, we have the funds required to support an administrative search process while forecasting an increase in our projected net excess at year-end.
The Finance Advisory Committee met in January to engage in a discussion with Robert Douglass and his associates from Douglass Winthrop. The allocation and performance of our portfolio was reviewed. After ending the conference call with our fund managers, the Advisory Committee affirmed its unanimous pleasure with Douglass Winthrop’s performance and management. As we are in a more positive cash flow position as the result of producing and managing balanced budgets for two years, the Advisory Committee has recommended that the Finance Committee of the Board consider transferring a significant portion of the funds currently held in a Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund to our Douglass Winthrop account where it can earn more.
Staffing: I met with the faculty and announced the Board’s decision to increase faculty salaries next year. It was noteworthy that, within the context of another balanced budget, we are planning to increase salaries at a rate higher than the tuition increase. And, it was important to make the connection between those figures and the direct impact that a dividend from the new endowment for faculty salaries will make. A letter of agreement will be mailed to every employee in the coming weeks.
Technology: Maureen Tumenas organized and orchestrated the presentation of several webinars for groups of interested faculty members at a full faculty meeting in December.
In addition to replacing several admin office desktops this year, we were able to purchase 12 new laptops to replace a series of older poorly-performing laptops for a group of faculty. For most, a new reliable machine has impacted the integration of more technology use in their teaching practice. And, a major gift to support technology enabled us to purchase an amazing number of new computers and other resources, further supporting the use of technology and enhancing teaching practices in several classrooms.
