Andy Abbott's February Newsletter Message

Just as we ask our kids to ask tough questions and then question the answers, so must those of us on the adult side. In my first year as head, we are reviewing our advising system and the campus master plan.

In September, I formed a faculty committee on advising to review our system and recommend concrete improvements. My goal is two-fold: to ensure that every student (and family) is known well and that every advisor is able to give good, individualized advice on all aspects of the Burroughs experience (academics, arts, athletics, activities, college counseling). The committee, which will report to me by the end of the school year, has sought formal input from parents via the parent forum in November and from the faculty during a professional day earlier this month. Both provided candid input on what works and what doesn’t. Stay tuned!!

We have undertaken a similar process of review at the Board of Trustees level. We are looking at the 2004 campus master plan in light of the current economic climate and with attention to needs and priorities that have emerged since the plan’s original approval.

By way of background, nearly $33 million has been raised to support the campus master plan, and considerable improvements have been made—from land acquisition to endowment to infrastructure upgrades to athletic facilities. And, this summer, I hope we will complete improvements to our soccer venue, both lengthening and widening it to be a top-level field.

Unrealized elements of the 2004 plan include construction of three new buildings: a performing arts and communications center, a new assembly hall and a performance gym. Before moving ahead on raising money to support these remaining projects, the Board is reviewing the decisions made six years ago. In the meantime, I have identified several additional needs I believe we should address as soon as we are able. They include:

•    further growth of our endowment,
•    additional classroom space for the English and modern languages departments
•    additional meeting and testing space for the academic support department
•    relocation of the admissions office to the main (Brauer) building
•    improvements to the locker rooms, weight room and cardio room
•    work and meeting space for our volunteers

I will keep you posted about what the Board decides in terms of priorities, logistics and timetable.

—Andy Abbott