In the last few years, the Chiaravalle Board of Trustees has worked closely with the administration to focus on several key projects: We purchased our historic building, making a permanent home for the school, and extensively renovated the elementary and 3-6 classrooms.
We initiated a capital campaign to help pay for the facility improvements, raising over $1.7 million. We’ve led the annual fundraising efforts which have remained strong despite the current economy. We instituted a new form of tuition assistance, the Journey Grant program, and, as a result, have strong retention and the largest 1st grade class in history. Two task forms were formed last year and completed their work: the Head Search Committee, and the Parent Education Task Force, which reviewed the parent ed program and developed recommendations for the administration. We’ve lent strategic support to the school’s marketing efforts, helping to develop the new admission videos and the re-designed website.
With these projects successfully behind us, we developed goals for this school year to make Chiaravalle strong for the future. This year, our Board will focus on helping Ed Hollinger, our new Head of School, develop a deeper understanding of the programs, families, culture, and faculty that make our school unique. We’ll also begin to develop the next Strategic Plan which will inform priorities and goals for both the Board and administration for the next five years.
With renovations to the elementary floor complete, our Facilities Committee will begin to develop a timeline for the remaining work on the 3-6 floor and the replacement of the annex, and will investigate how changes to our facilities can support desired program enhancements. Our Finance Committee will review our endowment spending, tuition, and compensation policies, with careful thought to how these policies support the mission of the school.
Our Development Committee will continue to provide strategic help with fundraising initiatives, including the first Chiaravalle Journey Benefit Dinner this winter. The Strategic Communications Committee will work with the Administration to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of a Chiaravalle education.
In addition to the broad goals listed above, the Board is charged with ensuring the fiscal health of the school, and works each year to develop a responsible budget and tuition schedule, mindful of the challenges this economy poses for our families and our need to retain our outstanding faculty through competitive compensation and benefits.
As we tackle these issues and the work ahead, we are grateful to be a part of a community of caring, dedicated faculty and parents. We invite your comments and suggestions.
If you would like more information about getting involved with Board Committees, please explore the list at right.