FOUR DECADES OF EXPANSION AND VISION
Two decades on, hindsight once again proves the wisdom in deciding to invest in Hong Kong’s future, as well as in correctly anticipating the advent of exponential trade growth. There was much debate over whether the spoken Chinese language would be Cantonese or Mandarin. Those who favored Cantonese wanted the local dialect so students could learn and use the language on a daily basis. Those who wanted Mandarin wanted to build on the Mandarin program already being taught in grades 7– 12. In the end, Mandarin was selected for the primary school so the program would be K-12. On November 12, 1986, the groundbreaking ceremony at the high school was held ahead of the arrival of bulldozers to prepare the site. The Hong Kong Standard story headline the following day proved, once again, how prescient the Board was: “US school plan shows sign of confidence in HK”. The South China Morning Post coverage of the same story took another view – its headline exclaimed: “Free site for new $82.7m American school”. But it was indeed a sign of confidence in Hong Kong’s future, as Chief Secretary David Akers-Jones, who shared the groundbreaking honors at the ceremony with the U.S. Consul General, Donald M. Anderson, pointed out in his speech. “The steady growth of American investment in Hong Kong in recent years is another indication of the American community’s determination to play a continuing role in the territory’s further growth and development. The resulting increase in the number of American companies which have established local or regional
offices in Hong Kong helps to explain why HKIS is in need of additional space which this extension will provide.” At that time, only 60 per cent of the 1,515 students were American, with 34 different nationalities being represented in HKIS’ 950 families. David Rittmann, then HKIS Headmaster, stated that: “In 1985, surveys within the international school community and Hong Kong-based American corporations indicated long term growth. American business projections both in Hong Kong and China have further emphasized the need to ensure educational facilities for the future.” Two decades on, hindsight once again proves the wisdom in deciding to invest in Hong Kong’s future, as well as in correctly anticipating the advent of exponential trade growth. Financing of the project was interesting. A brochure, entitled On the Move, states that, “Beginning Fall 1986, every student must be covered by a HK$70,000 debenture or pay an annual capital levy of HK$8,000 which will continue until construction costs are met and debentures redeemed. The Board intends to sell 800-900 debentures.” The brochure emphasizes that the new High School, planned for 720 students, will be HKIS’ first building purpose-designed for the older children with increased facilities for physical education, sports, the arts, computer and other electronic means of education, and student services such as library and counseling. Importantly, it stated the 12:1 student/teacher ratio – which probably ranked as the lowest in Hong Kong – would remain the same. “However, as the enrollment rises and the number of faculty consequently increases, the curriculum can be broadened and individual student needs can be met more effectively – without altering the essential college preparatory nature of the program.”
Brochure explaining the newly introduced debenture capital and levy system in 1986.
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