I would like to start this week’s blog with a sincere thank-you to everyone who attended Saturday’s Strategic Planning Retreat.
I’ve known, of course, that this is an extraordinary community ever since I looked at USM more closely as I considered applying for the position of Head of School. Nevertheless, the fact that so many people gave up a Saturday at this very busy time of the year to participate in the school-wide retreat tells me that USM has a special place in many, many hearts.
The large showing of our parents, parents of alumni, alumni, and faculty and staff says so much. I do want people to know that participating in the retreat was not mandatory for faculty and staff, so the fact that many of them gave up the day to attend demonstrates how much they care.
In my position, I was not allowed to attend the sessions, but it was energizing to look in and see everyone so engaged and enthusiastic. I think there was an advantage to having parents, faculty, parents of alumni, etc. all in the same group, so they could experience each other’s perspectives. Much of the discussion centered around three questions: what’s working, what’s not working, and what’s missing? It was a vital opportunity for different constituencies to speak to those needs, wants, and desires.
Ian Symmonds, our strategic planning consultant, was extremely impressed — both by the turnout and the quality of the conversation, which he found very constructive. He is enthused about the information garnered during the retreat, and now the plethora of input (from the retreat, surveys, and focus groups) will be analyzed and scanned for highlights and common strands.
This phase will be followed by the development of a vision and strategic goals, followed by the School creating the tactical steps necessary to achieve the strategic goals.
I would be remiss to close this week’s blog without taking the opportunity to thank Andrew Petzold and Sangeeta Khanna, Co-Chairs, and all the other members of the Strategic Planning Committee, who made this interesting exercise possible. I also very much appreciate the Parents’ Association efforts, guided by PA President Wendy Petzold, to assure strong representation from the parent body. It is gratifying that so many individuals recognize the importance of defining the future of the School – there is no doubt the School will benefit from their involvement. After all, we all want what’s best for USM!
