“John Burroughs School seeks to instill the joy of living through active learning, integrity and service to others. Our mission is to foster in all students academic, physical and creative fulfillment, together with strength of character, while helping them become productive members of our school community.”

The above excerpt from the Burroughs Statement of Philosophy serves as a guiding tenet for decisions made by the Board of Trustees as it supports the school’s commitment to excellence in the four As—academics, the arts, athletics and activities. We have high ideals of what this school can and should be, and we recognize the expertise and perspectives that other members of the community can bring to the decision-making process.

The 24-member Board, comprised of parents, three alumni representatives and the presidents of the Parents Council and Alumni Association (serving in an ex officio capacity), are a diverse, energetic group of volunteers whose personal and professional experiences bring vast insight to Board meetings.

Dedicated to ensuring that Burroughs serves all members of its community in a meaningful and impactful way, the Board works closely with Head of School Andy Abbott. We meet nine times a year to oversee the school budget, provide input on school strategy and establish school policies. Much of our work is initiated and carried out by ten standing committees:  Building and Grounds, Development, Diversity, Education, Finance, Investment, Nominating, Public Relations, Tuition Aid and Values. These hard-working committees include current and past parents, faculty members, and alumni. Throughout the school year, committee recommendations help guide the Board in its decisions.

In addition to committee recommendations, Board decisions are also shaped by information received from the school’s faculty. At regular intervals during the year, faculty members are invited to share information concerning many aspects of the school’s academic programs. These faculty presentations on topics such as the restructuring of the advising program, the use of smart boards in the classroom, departmental self-study evaluations and other curriculum-related matters provide the Board with insight from their perspective. As true guardians of the Burroughs mission, it is our dedicated and gifted faculty, along with staff, who deliver on the school’s promise to provide all of its students with an extraordinary academic experience.

With the quality of that experience in mind, in the coming school year the Board will focus much of its energy on helping the recently unveiled campus Master Plan become a reality. The proposed campus improvements (see artist’s rendering at left) will meet the school’s programmatic needs in two buildings, a new Haertter Hall for Performing Arts/Assembly/Commons and an Athletic Center. The Board will support this initiative by continuing fundraising efforts and finalizing the design of the new buildings. In addition, we will continue to ensure the integrity and stability of the school’s financial resources along with the maintenance of its physical plant.

Another highlight of the coming year will be planning the biennial Parent Forum where a number of school matters are considered and reviewed. The parent feedback received at the Forum provides the Board with a wide array of information about current challenges and future opportunities for the school.

My family and I have been privileged to be members of the Burroughs community for the past 10 years. Thanks to the wide range of Burroughs experiences of each of my children, I have learned a great deal about its culture and the many things that make it such an exceptional school. Their teachers, their classmates, their experiences on the fields, the stage, the arts, and in student government, coupled with countless community service opportunities, have enabled me to understand the important role that Burroughs plays in helping its students grow into lifelong learners and capable, confident leaders determined to make a difference in the world.

Burroughs is a very special place and I am honored to serve as Board president. Along with the other members of the Board, I am committed to furthering its mission as we work together to plan and shape the school’s future. We look forward to ensuring its continued success, and I invite students, faculty and staff, alumni and parents to share thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the school with me at any time. The Board welcomes your input and is grateful for your continued support of John Burroughs School.

Mary Beth Soffer
President
August 2011