STRATEGIC PLAN 2027
SECURING OUR BRIGHT FUTURE
DEAR PALMER TRINITY COMMUNITY
It is with great pride that we present StrategicPlan2027:SecuringourBrightFuture. This document is the culmination of a three-year effort with contributions from a wide variety of our community members including the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, students, alumni, and alumni parents. This Plan highlights our 50 th anniversary motto, Bold Past, Bright Future, by reaffirming our Mission. We remain committed to our School’s vision as an outstanding co-educational Episcopal School, providing academic excellence in all disciplines while embracing character development. This continues to be our foundation for everything we, as educators, do each day.
While celebrating Palmer Trinity’s past and appreciating the present traditions of educational distinction, we are eager to secure our future. This Plan establishes a detailed guide and framework for the next five years in the vital areas of: Curriculum, Community, Faculty, Land and Facilities, and Financial Sustainability. Our priority continues to be focused on providing our students with optimum experiences as they develop mind, body, and spirit to become global citizens and compassionate leaders in an ever-changing world. Our students must take their place in an increasingly diverse society prepared to embrace, respect, and understand all perspectives.
Strategic Plan 2027 reflects a synthesized and analytical approach to planning for the future and incorporates the following data: four essential surveys, the Belonging Survey, the Faculty/Staff Survey, the Parents Survey, and the New Parent Survey, dedicated time to reviewing and discussing and developing the Plan, two Board of Trustees working sessions, and seven task groups meeting throughout the fall of 2021 to recommend action steps. A detailed chronological timeline can be found in this document. In short, we are deeply grateful for all who shared time and are proud of the commitment to the process given to this important document.
Our people are the key to our past success and to our future progress — administration, students, faculty, parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends — working as one community. Our faculty anchors Palmer Trinity’s educational program, and, as such, it is critical that we continue to provide the highest quality of professional life. We recognize the importance of the teacher in today’s world, now more than ever. As the great Henry Adams claims, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” A hallmark of this document is the newly created, Portrait of a Teacher , which reflects discussions around this life-changing profession.
Please join us as we celebrate and embrace this unique and exciting time in the life of our School. We encourage you to review Strategic Plan 2027 and are most grateful for your partnership and support.
Sincerely,
PATRICK ROBERTS Head of School
MARCEL NAVARRO Chairman, Board of Trustees
STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS SUMMARY
Our Strategic Planning process began in the Winter 2017 with a comprehensive survey of faculty and staff. We were interrupted by COVID in the Winter of 2019, but took the following steps to ensure the most inclusive process.
Comprehensive Survey of Faculty/Staff WINTER 2017
Survey Results of Faculty/Staff Survey shared SPRING 2018
Professionalism Committee formed SPRING 2018
Comprehensive Survey of Parents FALL/WINTER 2018
FCIS Self Study ALL YEAR 2018–19
Survey Results of Parent Survey shared WINTER 2019
Task Force Groups formed/conducted SPRING 2019
Athletics Food Service Study Skills (Ac. Team)
Strategic Planning Team formed SPRING 2019
Strategic Planning Team Working Session SPRING 2019
Essential Questions formed SPRING/SUMMER 2019
Board Retreat/Strategic Plan Workshop SUMMER 2019
Strategic Planning Team Working Weekend FALL 2019
Vision Statement created FALL 2019
FCIS Accreditation Visit FALL 2019
FCIS Accreditation Communication (Comments) FALL 2019
FCIS Full Accreditation WINTER 2020
Strategic Planning Team Working Session WINTER 2020
Vision Statement approved by Board SPRING 2020
Vision Statement rolled out to Community SPRING 2020
Covid 19
WINTER 2019–CURRENT
DEI Consultant Lawrence Alexander: Audit/Survey FALL 2020
Comprehensive Survey of Faculty/Staff SPRING 2021
Comprehensive Survey of Parents SPRING 2021
DEI Belonging Survey (Students)
SPRING 2021
Comprehensive Survey of Newly Enrolled Parents SPRING 2021
Vision Statement shared again with Board SUMMER 2021
Board Retreat/Strategic Plan Workshop SUMMER 2021
Vision Statement shared again with Community FALL 2021
Action Teams formed/meet (3X) FALL 2021
Faculty
Community and School Size
Counseling/Wellness
DEI Audit/Survey
Curriculum
Land and Facilities
Financial Sustainability
Auxiliary Programs
Endowment/Planned Giving
Creation of Portrait of a Teacher WINTER 2022
Review of Strategic Plan/Draft WINTER 2022
Final Draft of Strategic Plan shared with Board
Anticipated Roll out of Strategic Plan
WINTER 2022
SPRING 2022
The Board of Trustees wishes to thank the following groups for their commitment and intentional work during the strategic planning process: the Strategic Planning Committee, Steering Committee Groups, Palmer Trinity School Leadership Team, Palmer Trinity School Faculty and Staff, all members of the Palmer Trinity Parents Association, Palmer Trinity’s Alumni, and all Palmer Trinity Students.
THE FOUNDATION OF PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL
The School has set forth its Mission and Philosophy, our Guiding Principles, Portrait of a Graduate, and Portrait of a Teacher as the foundation of the Strategic Plan.
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
Palmer Trinity is an Episcopal school dedicated to promoting academic excellence and inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity and spirit.
Providing a supportive, inclusive environment for students, we emphasize academic distinction, ethical global citizenship, and character. As members of the greater community, we educate students to lead lives of honor and social responsibility. Palmer Trinity School is committed to diversity and includes students with a range of academic interests, as well as students from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our school community reflects the pride of shared purpose and love of learning in a values-based environment, where each child is respected for his or her uniqueness:
SPIRITUALITY
We respect the sacred and honor each individual as created in the image of God.
LEARNING
We cultivate curiosity, creativity, innovation, and scholarship as the foundation of intellectual growth.
DEDICATION
We maintain excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.
COMMUNITY
We promote collegial relationships between students, faculty, staff, and parents.
SERVICE
We encourage vision, initiative, and leadership in serving each other, the greater community, and the world.
RESPECT
We practice compassion, understanding, and respect the dignity of each human being.
DIVERSITY
We embrace differences among individuals while celebrating our common humanity.
HONOR
We recognize the importance of leading lives of conscience and integrity.
BALANCE
We honor the unity of mind, body, and spirit.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL EDUCATES STUDENTS TO BE
» Passionate Learners who pursue enlightenment and learning across disciplines with curiosity and determination.
» Global Citizens who strive to recognize their universal humanity and appreciate their responsibility towards each other and the world.
» Problem Solvers who work with others to find diplomatic resolutions to challenge and change.
» Ethical Leaders who inspire others to work with purpose, clarity, and compassion.
» Independent Thinkers who apply their critical thinking abilities to engage in discourse about complex intellectual and ethical problems.
» Critical Listeners who listen to understand, not merely to respond.
PORTRAIT OF A TEACHER
PALMER TRINITY EDUCATORS ASPIRE TO BE
» Passionate teachers who display mastery and zeal for their subject while actively engaging students in the pursuit of learning and knowledge.
» Inspirational role models who lead by example encouraging students to be understanding, compassionate, and global-minded members of the community.
» Effective advisors who demonstrate empathy for their advisees, who communicate proactively, and assist them in the development of character and independence.
» Collaborative colleagues who commit to support school initiatives, who share ideas and resources with team members, and who demonstrate a positive and inclusive approach to achieving communal goals.
» Committed members of the community who willingly participate in school life beyond the classroom.
» Dedicated professionals who commit to the art of teaching, aware that their work will profoundly impact the lives of students in unforeseen and unimagined ways.
STATEMENTS OF COMMITMENT
Respecting the School’s Episcopal practices and traditions rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs and ethics.
AS A SCHOOL COMMUNITY WE COMMIT TO
» Provide an environment inspired by the traditions and practices of Episcopal schools.
» Provide a safe and healthy environment for students by maintaining appropriate behavioral expectations and high ethical standards.
» Employ professionals of solid character and expertise who are loyal to the mission of the School.
» Create a stimulating, innovative, and intellectually challenging academic environment.
» Communicate timely and appropriately.
» Prepare students to succeed at an institution of higher learning.
» Maintain an environment that ensures a collaborative partnership with your child.
AS STUDENTS WE COMMIT TO
» Strive for academic excellence and continued personal growth.
» Take pride in ourselves and our school community by living the mission of Palmer Trinity and by representing our school in a positive manner at all times.
» Endorse and adhere to the School’s Honor Code.
» Build school spirit by participating in school activities, exhibiting good sportsmanship, taking advantage of all opportunities supporting one another.
» Engage in responsible and respectful digital citizenship.
AS PARENTS WE COMMIT TO
» Support in our words and actions the policies, standards, and expectations of our school as articulated in the Student Handbook and Honor Code.
» Communicate concerns with school personnel through appropriate channels, ensuring the most efficient collaboration for the health and well-being of our children.
» Respect the School calendar, daily schedule, and our contractual obligations to the School.
» Utilize the School’s website, email, and other modes of communication to remain informed about school events, policies, and updates.
» Respect the professionals engaged in our child’s learning.
» Provide volunteer support and participate in the School’s annual fundraising initiatives.
» Engage in responsible and respectful digital citizenship.
AS FACULTY AND STAFF WE COMMIT TO
» Support and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the School.
» Recognize and cultivate the potential in every student.
» Create a supportive environment that is developmentally and academically appropriate.
» Support decisions and policies determined by the Administration.
» Fulfill our obligations as stipulated in the employee contract and outlined in the Employee Handbook.
» Ongoing professional development.
» Engage in responsible and respectful digital citizenship.
AS ALUMNI WE COMMIT TO
» Advocate for and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission.
» Share the history, traditions, and memories of Palmer School, Trinity Episcopal School, and Palmer Trinity School.
» Provide opportunities for current students to learn more about the alumni network, to which they will one day belong.
» Continue to build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged alumni community.
» Cultivate financial resources for the sustained prosperity of the School.
AS BOARD OF TRUSTEES WE COMMIT TO
» Support the mission, vision, and values of Palmer Trinity School.
» Further the work of the School through our time, our skills, and our financial support.
» Prepare and actively participate in the majority of regular and special board meetings and events, and maintain confidentiality of content therein.
» Speak with one voice and to avoid taking individual action on any issue. We will refer substantive information relating to real or perceived grievances from individuals or groups to the Chairman of the Board or the Head of School. We will strive to be objective decision-makers and take into account the effects of our actions on individuals, the organization, and the community.
» Participate in all development and advancement opportunities within our ability to give, and commit to placing PTS high among the priority organizations of our philanthropic giving.
» Recognize that the board serves in a strategic governance capacity, approving policies and their implementation, and will defer to the administration the management of daily operations.
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL
SECURING OUR BRIGHT FUTURE ( 2022 - 2027 )
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL
STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION STATEMENT
In the Episcopal tradition of academic excellence and inclusive community, Palmer Trinity School commits to the following strategic priorities on the following pages.
CURRICULUM
To design and implement educational programs – both local and internationalgrounded in relevance that will shape individuals who reason independently and who act collaboratively to accomplish and resolve conflict.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
» Reinforce independent learning and critical thinking in the light of Palmer Trinity’s Portrait of a Graduate and Guiding Principles.
» Promote the role of C.E.L.T. (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) and its initiatives to increase partnerships with other schools and within the PTS community.
» Dedicate time and opportunity for our faculty and administration to collaborate and design innovative and forward-thinking curricular pathways which promote critical thought and skills.
» Gather, analyze, and share available data to inform academic decisions.
» Maintain the School’s global presence and mindset.
» Expand the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) to encourage width and depth of course offerings.
» Explore the feasibility of offering PTS courses online.
» Research and expand STEM-centered curricular offerings with a view toward building a state-of-the-art program.
COMMUNITY
To embrace our School Community, defining it as those who can know one another and be known, and to safeguard our communal health while practicing hospitality, empathy, and leadership rooted in service to others.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
» Demonstrate the School’s Episcopal Identity through the teaching of values, ethics, and morals.
» Enhance the Wellness, Advisory, and Athletics programs to reflect the School’s ethos of developing a healthy balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.
» Utilize data from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Audit to ensure the quality of school life.
» Implement feedback from the Belonging Survey to refine the Mosaic program.
» Collaborate with the Episcopal Church to explore programmatic opportunities.
» Use the School’s systems and resources to maintain timely and relevant communication.
» Grow Admission recruitment efforts to attract and retain a diverse community reflective of the School’s Mission and Guiding Principles.
» Strengthen and promote Alumni engagement in the School community.
FACULTY
To explore and secure pioneering ways to attract, retain, and develop Mission-driven Faculty who inspire, empower and challenge students to embrace Palmer Trinity’s Portrait of a Graduate.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
» Implement the newly created Portrait of a Teacher.
» Research housing assistance as a means to attract mission-appropriate faculty.
» Maintain competitive compensation and benefit plans.
» Explore avenues to attract prospective teachers to the PTS learning community.
» Focus professional development on effective advising and teaching.
» Increase C.E.L.T.’s role in developing professionalism and collegiality.
LAND AND FACILITIES
To leverage our campus footprint to maximize learning opportunities for our community — both its unparalleled facilities and distinctive Florida grounds — creating independent natural and built environments that enrich the mind, nurture the body, and refresh the spirit.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
» Update the Campus Master Plan to reflect the completion of Phase I of the Soaring to Greater Heights Campaign and the evolution of the School.
» Maximize the campus footprint to enhance outdoor areas for academic study and the arts.
» Enhance the facilities on the north side of campus to unify the entire Palmer Trinity School environment.
» Develop a sustainability strategy that informs the built environment consistent with the ethos of the School.
» Continue to implement innovative technology solutions across the campus.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
To ensure the future of Palmer Trinity School through visionary leadership and prudent stewardship of our financial and capital resources.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
» Enhance a rolling three to ten-year operating budget including projections for capital expenditures, debt service, staffing, and tuition increases.
» Expand the School’s philanthropic programs for increased participation among constituencies.
» Reimagine mission-centered auxiliary services to generate revenue streams.
» Grow the School’s reserves and the endowment.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2027
We thank the following members of our community for participating in this Strategic Plan.
Lawrence Alexander (Consultant)
Ashley Armato (Faculty/Staff)
Elizabeth Bacardi (Trustee, Parent, Alumni Parent)
Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Alumni Parent)*
Jeff Bass (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Kay Betts (Consultant)
Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee)
Mary Ellen Cassini (Administration, Faculty/Staff)*
Jose Chao (Administration, Alumni Parent)
Susi Cetta (Faculty/Staff, Alumni Parent)
Ashley Chapman (Administration, Faculty/Staff)
Lynley Ciorobea (Alumni, Parent)*
Rev. Frank J. Corbishley (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Patricia Cornish (Trustee, Parent)
Vivian More Cortinas (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Bishop Peter Eaton (Trustee)
Emilio Fernandez (Trustee, Parent)
Andrea Fresco (Faculty/Staff)
Denise Gallardo (Administration, Alumni Parent)*
Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja (Administration, Alumni Parent)*
Juan Gomez (Administration, Alumni Parent)
Jared Kaplan (Trustee, Parent)
Lynne Keller (Trustee, Parent, Alumni Parent)
Monifa Kelsey (Faculty, Parent)
Katie Lamiell (Faculty/Staff, Alumni Parent)
Dave Lanham (Administration, Parent)
Patricia Lema (Faculty/Staff)
Rachel Malueg (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Hugo Mantilla (Trustee, Parent, Alumni Parent)*
Bobby Moore (Alumni, Faculty/Staff)*
Camilo Montana (Trustee, Parent, Alumni Parent)
William Morrison (Trustee Alumni Parent)
Marcel Navarro (Trustee – Chairman, Parent, Alumni Parent)*
Sonia O’Donnell (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Aldo Regalado (Faculty/Staff)
Adriana Restrepo-Munoz (Faculty/Staff)
Patrick Roberts (Administration, Parent)*
Manjula Salomon (Administration)
Beth Brockway Serrate ’85 (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Philip Serrate (Trustee, Alumni Parent)
Jesus Socorro (Trustee, Parent, Alumni Parent)
Harvey Sperling (Trustee)*
Peter Tolmach (Administration, Parent)
Adrianna Truby (Administration, Faculty/Staff)*
Kim Vinas (Trustee, Parent)
Micah Whitley (Faculty/Staff)
Emily Wilken, (Faculty/Staff)*
Russell Wilson (Trustee, Parent)*
Paul Zamek (Administration, Parent)
*These members were part of the Strategic Planning Committee which was chaired by Marcel Navarro.