OJAI VALLEY SCH OOL
Strategic Plan
Authentically OVS
Rooted in our past, focused on our future In 1923, OVS founder Edward Yeomans took a one-room
independent thinkers. We remain committed to pursuing
schoolhouse with a dozen pupils and transformed it into
a field-studies approach to academics – one that is
a thriving boarding and day school serving hundreds of
focused on critical, careful observation and hands-on
students from around the world. He constructed a new
experiences. We also remain committed to a program
campus rimmed with oak trees, infused with music and
deeply invested in the arts – performing, visual, and
art, and included a wood shop for the “hand work”
manual – as well as outdoor experiences that promote
taught alongside the “head work” of history, literature,
a “Leave No Trace” ethos where students and adults
and mathematics. Into this school, Yeomans recruited
are deeply engaged in the outdoor world, the care of
a team of educators focused on the best practices of
animals, and stewardship of our environmental resources.
progressive education, and thus established OVS as a child-centered school focused on Integer Vitae: the
As we look to the next century of Yeoman’s legacy, these
wholeness, symmetry, and soundness of life.
are the endearing values which must be kept at the center of an authentically OVS education – one that is rooted in
One hundred years later, we continue to embrace and
our past, yet focused on our future, one that takes “the
support a community of inspiring educators and curious
head” and combines it with “the hand,” and one that is
learners, focusing on engaging students as active,
challenging, empowering, and ultimately, transformative.
“Authentically OVS” is the central theme of our Strategic
finalized in the months that followed in collaboration with
Plan, a document that will serve as a guide or roadmap
key stakeholders.
as we chart a course for the School’s future. At its core, the Plan reflects the School’s mission and The plan includes five key components:
guiding principles as we strive to be innovative in our
• Teaching and Learning
curriculum, creative in our approach to learning, and
• Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
bold in our vision for the future. The clarity of our mission
• Land and Climate
is as relevant and lived today as it was a century ago, and
• Finance, Operations and Governance
our success in continuing it will be achieved through the
• Community and Belonging
support of those willing to safeguard Yeomans’ legacy and build upon his guiding vision to provide a safe and
The goals and priorities identified in the Plan were formed
inspiring space for children to become their best true
through an in-depth and inclusive process over a two-
selves. We invite you to read on to learn more and invite
year period with contributions from trustees, parents,
you to join in this effort.
alumni, faculty, and students, as well as through our accreditation process and other planning sessions. The Board of Trustees updated and reaffirmed the central
Lars Kuelling
Nicholas Thacher (L60)
tenets of the plan in June 2023 and the document was
Head of School
Chair, Board of Trustees
Mission By the time Ojai Valley School students are ready to graduate they will have developed the academic strength, the character, and the self-confidence to meet life’s future challenges and contribute to an ever-changing world.
Philosophy Ojai Valley School’s philosophy is contained in the words Integer Vitae, meaning wholeness of life, symmetry of life, soundness of life, and, therefore, poise and strength of life. To accommodate the school philosophy, every effort is made to create an atmosphere for students and staff that is conducive to learning and growing through the framework of a warm family environment. Guided by this stated philosophy, Ojai Valley School has as its goals and objectives the development of each student’s character through the advantageous use of Ojai’s natural surroundings, diverse educational community and a strong, professional staff. More specifically, the goals and objectives for each student are outlined in the school philosophy as follows: • Wholeness of life – Ojai Valley School students are presented with a wide variety of experiences through college preparatory studies, campus life, educational field trips, student activities, athletic programs, and outdoor education. These activities allow students to explore the extent of their interests and abilities, to know themselves, and to develop an appreciation and respect for other people on a global scale. • Symmetry of life – Ojai Valley School students are exposed to a well-balanced program, both academic and social, with consistent standards set for each discipline and activity. • Soundness of life – Towards the development of character, Ojai Valley School students are given responsibilities, which relate to their personal lives and to school affairs. Students have an opportunity to learn, perhaps to fail and to try again. With staff support and guidance, students begin to develop the knowledge and strength needed to make sound judgments.
Portrait of a Graduate Ojai Valley School students are encouraged to explore their interests, know themselves, and develop an appreciation and respect for others on a global scale. By the time they graduate, they will have developed the academic strength, the character, and the self-confidence to meet life’s future challenges and contribute to an ever-changing world. Specifically, an Ojai Valley School graduate: • Exercises Resilience: Pursues a healthy and balanced lifestyle; Confidently meets life’s future challenges; Adapts to evolving learning environments to maintain a lifelong investment in education • Thinks Critically: Resourcefully and creatively solves problems; Explores interests, develops deep core knowledge, and succeeds academically; Appreciates and understands multiple perspectives • Embraces Community: Acts with kindness, empathy and inclusiveness; Honors and advocates for cultural and global diversity; Collaborates in ways that contribute to the greater good • Champions the Environment: Develops a deep appreciation for the outdoors; Works to protect, preserve and restore the natural environment; Applies eco-conscious practices, including “leave no trace” habits • Acts with Integrity: Appreciates and respects others; Values honesty and acts ethically; Takes responsibility and accountability for actions • Contributes With Sincerity: Communicates powerfully and effectively; Serves the community through leadership and shares a joy for learning; Exhibits independent thinking and a commitment to active, constructive citizenship
Teaching & Learning
The school tries to develop any particular talent in which a pupil is
gifted and at the same time tries to develop the things in which he is not so talented. Sometimes it is not so much developing as it is opening up something which has been locked in. This all rounds out a child.” - Rodney Hobson Smith (L32), OVS Alumnus
Teaching & Learning Ojai Valley School offers a distinctive place for learning.
We have already begun to articulate a challenging,
It is a boarding and day school serving students from
vertically aligned curriculum by updating the Portrait of
preschool through high school on two campuses. It
a Graduate statement. This effort began in spring 2023
is a home-away-from-home for students from around
with a faculty-led effort on both campuses to audit the
the world, a place where students make life-long
statement and make adjustments as needed. We will
friendships. And academically, it is a place in which the
continue this process of self-assessment to ensure that
curriculum is intellectually challenging and intentional
the curriculum across the grade levels is distinctive
with its focus on hands-on learning experiences. Through
and mission-aligned and meets or exceeds California
those experiences, students learn to participate, to be
standards. At the same time, we will review our course
respectful,
and
offerings and identify areas which need expanding or
independently, to love challenges, to reach beyond
strengthening. This review process will be ongoing and
limits, to strive for excellence, to try again if they fail
led by the administrative teams on both campuses. An
and, ultimately, to value themselves. They graduate with
example of this effort now underway includes the addition
character and a sense of responsibility, but even more so,
of new interdisciplinary courses in Environmental Justice
with a feeling of confidence that they can make a positive
and Environmental History at the Upper Campus that
difference in a rapidly changing world.
support a new Land & Climate graduation requirement.
to
work
both
collaboratively
Looking ahead, we will identify new ways to celebrate As we look to the future, and identify ways to enhance
the accomplishments of our soon-to-be graduates by
teaching and learning, it is imperative that we continue
creating a culminating honors student experience,
to build on these areas of academic excellence.
the “Yeomans Distinguished Scholars,” a designation to recognize juniors and seniors whose character and
We will pursue the following goals:
scholarship embody our philosophy. The Yeomans
• Articulate a challenging, vertically aligned
Scholars will honor students who demonstrate a depth of
curriculum which fully embodies our philosophy
scholarship and application beyond the OVS classroom.
of “Integer Vitae” • Create a robust professional growth and
Academically, the School provides a challenging program
enrichment program
balanced by offerings in fine and performing arts, athletics,
• Make an informed investment in our faculty
outdoor education, and equestrian. Students thrive in a
and staff
small community led by dedicated teachers – who we
must support through a robust professional growth and enrichment program. This commitment is well underway. The school raised funding at the 2023 Gala and Auction specifically to support enrichment, which in turn allowed more teachers and staff members to immediately attend conferences and training opportunities
to
develop
their
own expertise in technology and the subjects or grade levels they teach. Looking ahead, the school will continue to identify ways to provide professional development and support current best practices for learning standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. We will also strive to better refine our
mission-driven work and opportunities for professional
teacher mentoring programs.
development and growth.
Finally, our goal to make an informed investment in our
One area of notable concern focuses on providing
faculty and staff is also well underway. The School in
affordable housing. The School’s ability to attract and
2023 hired an outside firm to complete a compensation
retain top teachers could be jeopardized by soaring
study to establish a compensation philosophy, identify
housing costs in Ojai and surrounding communities,
a set of benchmark schools, and target employee
making the development of workforce housing a
compensation and benefit levels to remain competitive
key factor in the Strategic Plan. Making an informed
in the marketplace. The Board has committed to
investment in our faculty and staff will include setting new
offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits with
goals and policies regarding employee housing.
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
One of the most essential of the lessons of life is this: What
to do with leisure time so that it shall always be re-creative, so that it shall always renew a right spirit within you.” - Edward Yeomans, OVS Founder
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Ojai Valley School is committed to providing a safe and
campus security notification system and regular training
nurturing environment for all of its students. This includes
of employees on how to effectively use the system.
nearly 80 boarding students in grades 3-12 who come
They also include hiring a highly qualified full-time
predominantly from California but also from out of state
School Counselor to support students’ mental health.
and overseas. It also includes about 240 day students from
The Counselor now guides advisory programs, provides
Ojai and surrounding communities in western Ventura
resources to families, and works directly with elementary,
County. Meeting the health and wellness needs of this
middle and high school students to improve social skills
diverse community of boarding and day students is the
and focus on conflict resolution and stress management.
responsibility of a team of well-informed, compassionate residential staff members, advisors, teachers, coaches,
We will pursue the following goals:
administrators, food service workers, and health care
• Reinforce student safety and security
professionals.
• Enhance programs and facilities in Outdoor Education and Adventure Sports, Equestrian,
Among the most critical issues facing schools nationally
and Athletics
are providing strong campus security systems and
• Provide age-appropriate programs and support
managing student stress, anxiety, and depression. At
to foster student mental health and wellness
OVS, actions have been taken in the past year to address these issues. These actions include implementing a cross-
We will reinforce our student safety and security practices in the years ahead by updating our safety policies and increasing our security monitoring capabilities. We will also continue steps taken this year to enhance our Food Services, including allergen labeling and signage, while providing healthy meals with locally-sourced ingredients where possible. The
Outdoor
Education,
Equestrian,
and
Athletic
programs are pillars of the OVS experience. They provide unique, authentic opportunities for students to challenge themselves, take risks, and develop their confidence and
character. In the years ahead we will continue to enhance these programs with a renewed investment in both programming and facilities. The School recently hired a new Equestrian Director and secured donor support to upgrade facilities and purchase new horses to support a revitalized competitive riding program for grades 4-12. Looking ahead, this is an area in which the School will continue to invest in the coming years. Short-term plans also include pursuing donor support for enhancements to the Outdoor Education program and a partnership with the Outdoor Alliance for Kids. Long-term plans include building a gymnasium and wellness center at the Upper Campus to benefit the entire School by providing an indoor athletic venue that could be used by students on both campuses. As envisioned, this center would become a hub of student life, providing a place for competitive athletics, recreation, performing arts, summer programs, and more. As part of the modifications to the current Master Plan, the School has begun the initial
programs and support to foster student mental health
planning for a gymnasium, including site location and
and wellness. Social-emotional learning is part of the
considering the key features of the building. Adventure
advisory curriculum in the middle and high school
Sports is another area the School plans to pursue in the
divisions. We have provided training to all PK-8 teachers
coming years. These could include competitive rock
in the Responsive Classroom method and will consider
climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding, and other
other professional development opportunities in the
interests that will distinguish OVS in the landscape of
future. We will also step up our efforts to provide parent
independent schools.
education regarding student mental health and wellness, and enhance training of our residential staff to meet the
Finally, we will continue to provide age-appropriate
needs of our boarding community.
Land & Climate
There’s something powerful about sticking your hands in the dirt and
feeling the earth, and now more than ever, kids need to be more connected to the land we live on.”
- Tony Thacher (L55), OVS Alumnus, Past Parent and Current Grandparent
Land & Climate In recent years, Ojai Valley School has emerged as
to sustainability is well underway, there is more that can
a leader in the independent school community with
be done regarding energy and resource conservation, as
its distinctive Outdoor Education programming, its
well as teaching students how to be good stewards of
hands-on field studies, and its pursuit of environmental
the environment – a key component of our Mission and
sustainability and conservation initiatives. These include
Philosophy.
dramatically reducing water usage, pursuing energy efficiency improvements on both campuses, incorporating
We know our students are part of a generation that will
green-building practices in new building projects, and
play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis. As such,
embracing solar technology. Although the commitment
the School has taken steps in the past year to augment and strengthen the Land & Climate curriculum, as well as to add a new graduation requirement at the high school to give students a solid foundation in environmental literacy taught through courses in the sciences and the humanities. All students will now graduate with the knowledge, skills and resilience to be part of the solution to the challenges we face in an ever-changing world. We will pursue the following goals: • Create and implement a pragmatic Climate Action Plan • Infuse all areas of our educational program with a commitment to Land & Climate education and a field studies approach • Establish a Land & Climate Institute to connect OVS’ unique approach to the larger educational world To accomplish these goals, we will create and implement a pragmatic Climate Action Plan and convene a group to
lead these efforts and gather the data needed to measure
We
will
establish
an
our impact. We will also establish partnerships with local
institute
community organizations that share our commitment
the
to educate students on how to be good stewards of
approach to Land &
the environment. We will also take continued steps to
Climate with the larger
reduce our environmental impact by pursuing a solar
educational world. We
installation at the Lower Campus, reducing our food waste
will
on both campuses, continuing composting and recycling
institute for educators and committed students from
initiatives, and enhancing our agricultural education and
like-minded schools, and we will look for ways to bring
animal husbandry programming. Significantly, OVS has
Outdoor Education and climate education programs to
created a water use roadmap for the future, in partnership
disadvantaged youth from the region. In launching these
with Watershed Progressive, an Ojai-based environmental
new initiatives, we will enhance and pursue new leadership
consulting firm.
opportunities for our students in the areas of Outdoor
to
share
School’s
unique
pilot
a
summer
Education and climate education. One way to build these We will infuse all areas of our educational program with
leadership skills will be to join the Outdoor Alliance for Kids
a commitment to Land & Climate education and a field
and other national organizations committed to connecting
studies approach. The School advanced this concept
youth with nature and the outdoors. The School should
this year by creating a new position for a Field Studies
also consider the possibility of offering a semester program
Coordinator to promote hands-on learning from Pre-
like Whitman College’s Semester in the West, a semester-
Kindergarten to grade 12. We will document current
long interdisciplinary field studies program.
practices as a part of the School’s curriculum articulation and create or revive Land & Climate units in PK-8
In conclusion, these goals are the next bold steps for a
grades to complement efforts already underway at the
school that for generations has promoted a “Leave No
Upper Campus. We have already designated a Field
Trace” ethos and taught students to discover the restorative
Studies Coordinator to deepen our relationships and
elements found in nature. The idea of sustainable use, the
increase student experiences with local environmental
concepts of stewardship, conservation, restoration and
organizations. The next step will be to hire a Sustainability
caring for the land around us are deeply rooted in the OVS
Director to lead our environmental initiatives, research and
experience, and we will continue these commitments in
pursue grant opportunities, and monitor our progress.
the years to come.
Finance, Operations & Governance
OVS is us, the people. We hear this often; constantly, we are reminded
of the strength of our community — every hammer blow and tile saw scream is proof that OVS is more than just stone and steel.” - Adam Pepper-Macias (L17, U21), OVS Alumnus
Finance, Operations & Governance Among its unique features, Ojai Valley School maintains
Student Commons – projects made possible through the
two distinct campuses with residential, academic,
generous support of our families and alumni.
athletic, and equestrian facilities, as well as separate parcels for faculty housing. The School has completed
Although OVS has outwardly recovered from the
major building projects in recent years and envisions a
devastating impacts of the Thomas Fire, it continues to
series of future projects and fundraising priorities that
grapple with insurance increases, programmatic needs,
will modernize our campuses, preserve our history, and
and facility maintenance. Expenses related to insurance
improve the educational experience for boarding and
and debt service now comprise 22% of the school’s
day students in years to come.
operating expenses — costs unique to its location in California. Financial aid targeted at hard-working,
We will pursue the following goals:
mission-appropriate students comprises nearly 20% of
• Enhance our financial sustainability via
the operating budget, while employee compensation
enhanced enrollment and development efforts,
and benefits comprise the largest portion. OVS recently
modeling, risk-management, and reporting
engaged a consulting firm to complete a compensation
• Enhance and modernize our operations,
and benefits analysis. While the study found Ojai Valley
facilities, marketing and public relations, and
School’s compensation to be in line with peer schools,
student information systems
it revealed that independent schools nationwide face
• Engage in transformative critical reflection to
headwinds in attracting and retaining high-quality
better align ourselves with the NAIS Principles
educators, especially in light of rapidly increasing
of Good Practice for Boards of Trustees
housing costs. As such, the School’s financial priorities must include investing in the people who make the OVS
We will enhance our financial sustainability primarily
community great by offering competitive wages and
through enrollment growth and fundraising, and we
exceptional benefits and providing workforce housing.
recognize these goals are closely aligned. Our high
We risk losing our greatest asset – our dedicated teachers
school enrollment dropped following the devastating
and staff members – if we cannot deliver on these goals.
Thomas Fire, yet we are now nearing capacity at the Upper Campus following the rebuilding of the Grace
We must also modernize our facilities. We’ve recently
Hobson Smith House dorm, the Aramont Science &
added a new classroom building and administrative suite
Technology Center and the addition of the Littlefield
at the Lower Campus. Future plans include the historic
preservation of Frost Hall at Lower Campus, which was
Longterm investments are also needed to build our
designed by Wallace Neff in the 1920s. We intend to
endowment, which will allow the school, over time,
expand dorm rooms, to add high-efficiency heating and
to increase faculty compensation, reduce debt, and
air conditioning, and to expand and remodel the Dining
increase access for hard-working students. To guide us
Hall. These improvements will allow us to better meet
confidently into the next century, OVS has identified the
the needs of a thriving day population and attract more
transformative power of a $150 million endowment. An
residents to our junior boarding program.
endowment of this size would allow the School to more fully address the headwinds facing many independent
We will continue to rebuild and market our competitive
schools and put it on par with national leaders. Our
Equestrian Program to ensure that we recruit the talented
immediate goal is to increase our endowment by a
boarding students who will thrive in this distinctive
factor of 10, from $7,500 per student to $75,000 per
program. And, we will pursue construction of a new
student.
gymnasium and wellness center at the Upper Campus. By adding a gym OVS will enhance the student experience
Finally, we will engage in a transformative reflection to
in myriad ways. Student participation in sports will
better align ourselves with the NAIS Principles of Good
increase as both players and spectators have a home
Practice for Boards of Trustees. The OVS Board has
court. Middle school students and their families would
grown from 11 to 16 dedicated members whose skills
be introduced to the Upper Campus in a positive way as
and experiences provide the necessary financial and
their games would also be played there.
strategic oversight.
Community & Belonging
Being at OVS has allowed me to become whoever I wanted to be. During
my time in high school, I could become a runner, a writer, a musician, and an environmentalist. And the people supporting me taught me to be the best version of all those things that I possibly could be.” - Avery Colborn (L16, U20), OVS Alumna
Community & Belonging The animating spirit of OVS traces to its progressive
boarding and day students by growing our enrollment
roots in the early 20th century, and to the uniquely rustic
and enhancing the resident experience. The School has
character of Ojai and its surrounding wilderness. Then
implemented an enrollment management plan to recruit
and now, students describe a community that provides
students locally, nationally and internationally. After
a home away from home, a community anchored by
experiencing an enrollment decline during the pandemic,
teachers who care, challenge and inspire them to
the School is now thriving and welcoming students
tackle any obstacles in the world; a place from which
from around the world again. In the past year, OVS has
students graduate with qualities that don’t show up on
introduced an English Language Development program
a high school transcript – a strong work ethic, a sense
to accommodate the growth of international boarding
of integrity, and an appreciation for cultural diversity and
students at the Lower Campus and reinvigorated
the natural world. As we chart a course for the future,
the English as a Second Language program at the
the School is committed to perpetuating this exceptional
Upper Campus. The School added a Junior Boarding
boarding and day school experience by strengthening
Residential Coordinator and Admissions Associate who
the academic, co-curricular, and residential life programs
will play a key role in recruitment and retention of our
while increasing enrollment to build a healthy and strong
youngest residents in grades 3-8. Plans to remodel Frost
community.
Hall boarding and dining areas and Reed Hall dorm will further enhance the boarding experience at Lower
We will pursue the following goals:
Campus.
• Continue to build a committed, engaged community of boarding and day students
The OVS community is comprised of many individuals
• Strengthen the connectivity among our
who support the mission and enable the school to
parents, alumni, and school
grow and thrive. Looking ahead, we will strengthen the
• Involve students and faculty beyond our campus
connectivity among our parents and alumni through
boundaries in partnership with local organizations
social events, parent educational series by academic
• Promote the recognition and appreciation
division, and with increased alumni gatherings locally,
of our cultural similarities and differences as
regionally, and globally. The School recently hired an
members of a shared global community
Associate Director of Development for Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement, who will play a vital role in
We will continue to build an engaged community of
maintaining and enhancing our alumni connections.
We will also focus on caring for the community beyond our campuses. This work is well underway. Upper Campus students frequently sort and package produce with Food Share of Ventura County to combat food insecurity. Our elementary, middle and high school students also participate in restoration work with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and the Channel Islands National Park. In October 2023, more than 140 OVS students, faculty and parents volunteered at the Ventura River Preserve to assist in restoring a former orchard to its natural state. It was the largest work group the OVLC has ever hosted. More efforts such as these are on the horizon as we deepen our commitment to serving our community and caring for our environment. Finally, we will promote the recognition and appreciation of our cultural similarities and differences as members of a shared global community. Guided by a knowledgeable consultant, work is now underway to support our staff regarding cultural competencies, equitable lesson and event planning, and to better define our institutional philosophy around community and belonging. A strong community that embraces every individual is vital to a healthy school. We will continue to strive to enroll students from all backgrounds whose cultures, life experiences, talents, and interests will enrich the entire community. And once enrolled, we will ensure that students are provided a safe environment in which to be their true selves and to develop the confidence to speak up for what is right.
Areas of Focus, Goals, KPIs Strategic Plan Components
Future Goals
Key Performance Indicators
Our Areas of Focus
What We Will Accomplish in the Next 5 Years
How We Meet Our Goals and Measure our Progress
Teaching & Learning
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Land & Climate
• Articulate a challenging, vertically aligned curriculum which fully embodies our philosophy of “Integer Vitae”
• Revisit and update the Portrait of a Graduate • Review the PK-12 curriculum and identify areas that can be strengthened while continuing to build on the school’s areas of academic excellence • Create a culminating honors student experience with Yeomans Distinguished Scholars designation
• Create a robust professional growth and enrichment program
• Support ongoing professional development • Refine our teacher mentoring programs
• Make an informed investment in our faculty and staff
• Refine compensation and benefits targets • Pursue new opportunities for workforce housing
• Reinforce student safety and security • Enhance programs and facilities in outdoor education & adventure sports, equestrian, and athletics • Provide age-appropriate programs and support to foster student mental health and wellness
• Review and update safety practices and health policies, including school counseling program • Provide parent education regarding student mental health and wellness • Enhance training of residential staff to support student mental health and wellness • Strengthen competitive sports; develop adventure sports
• Create and implement a pragmatic Climate Action Plan
• Form a group to lead efforts on the climate action plan • Establish partnership with Watershed Progressive and other groups to gather data and develop a plan to reduce our water use • Complete solar installation at Lower Campus
• Infuse all areas of our educational program with a commitment to Land & Climate education and a field studies approach
• Develop Land & Climate units for PK-8 classes • Develop field studies partnerships with local organizations • Strengthen Land & Climate offerings at Upper Campus
• Establish a Land & Climate Institute to connect OVS’ unique approach to the larger educational world
• Gather students, faculty, and community partners to develop framework for a Land & Climate Institute • Pilot a summer institute for educators and committed students from like-minded schools • Pursue grant opportunities
Strategic Plan Components
Future Goals
Key Performance Indicators
Our Areas of Focus
What We Will Accomplish in the Next 5 Years
How We Meet Our Goals and Measure our Progress
• Enhance our financial sustainability via enhanced enrollment and development efforts, modeling, risk-management, and reporting
• Create and meet enrollment and development goals • Develop fundraising strategies to support Strategic Plan goals • Increase endowment
• Enhance and modernize our operations, facilities, marketing and public relations, and student information systems
• Initiate building plans for dorm improvements and workforce housing • Evaluate effectiveness of campus technology, information systems, and the end-user experience
• Engage in transformative critical reflection to better align ourselves with the NAIS Principles of Good Practice for Boards of Trustees
• Evaluate the need to increase membership of Board of Trustees • Ensure that we are aligned with the NAIS Principles of Good Practice for Boards of Trustees
• Continue to build a committed, engaged community of boarding and day students
• Develop plans to remodel Frost Hall boarding and dining areas as well as Reed Hall improvements to improve the boarding experience at Lower Campus • Identify facility and program enhancements to improve resident life at the Upper Campus
• Strengthen the connectivity among our parents, alumni, and school
• Evaluate the number and nature of parent and alumni social events to improve connectivity and engagement • Consider expanding a parent educational series
• Involve students and faculty beyond our campus boundaries in partnership with local organizations
• Evaluate current partnerships with local organizations • Identify new or additional volunteer opportunities
• Promote the recognition and appreciation of our cultural similarities and differences as members of a shared global community
• Provide staff workshops regarding cultural competencies and equitable lesson planning • Involve students and faculty in programming offered regionally and nationally • Provide additional opportunities for global travel and immersive experiences
Finance, Operations & Governance
Community & Belonging
Strategic Plan Participants We wish to thank the following leadership volunteers who contributed their time and talents to this Strategic Plan, Authentically OVS: Rooted in Our Past, Focused on Our Future. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Nicholas Thacher (L60), Chair Patricia H. Farber, Treasurer Andrew Helman, Secretary Lars Kuelling, Head of School James Casey (L95) Kimberly Cluff (L83) Robert G. Cooper Jr. (L61) John B. De Nault III Ousmane Fofana (U09) Craig Marcus Sally McClenahan-Dyer (L87, U91) Vahagan Nahabedian Gail Ordway (U78) Gretchen Schuette Katharine Wang Hongyang “Bob” Zheng (U09)
CURRENT PARENTS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS Administration, Faculty and Staff Lower Campus Student Officers Upper Campus Student Officers Lucila Arango (U84) Emily Thacher Ayala (L86) and Tony Ayala Kendra and Chris Bollenbach Parris and John Collins Spencer Garrett (L62, U65) Cooper Hefner (U09) Katie Jeffrey (L99, U03) Mary Wallace and Ed Littlefield (U67) Hilary Walsh and Emmett Malloy Andrea and Ted Manning Lauren Cerre and Tyler Manson Tara Mortenson Uche Nwokidu-Aderibigbe Erin van Otterloo Mia Rondinella and Rich Singer Tony Thacher (L55) Rebecca and Josh Tickell
We welcome your input and contributions! The Strategic Plan is a work in progress that continues to evolve. We welcome and value the input of community members, including our trustees, alumni, current and former parents, students, faculty and staff members. There is much work to be done as we pursue our future goals. Please reach out to us with any questions or if you are interested in supporting the programs and facility improvements identified in this report.