From the President of the Board, Tom Rutledge

FOR MUCH OF ITS HISTORY, BUXTON HAS BEEN A HIDDEN GEM. THERE HAS BEEN A CERTAIN SENSE OF MODESTY ABOUT THE SCHOOL, NOT WANTING TO SEEM NOISY OR BRAGGY.

DEAR BUXTON COMMUNITY,

I’m convinced that outreach is the board’s most important job in the 2021-2022 school year. It’s what the school needs from us, and it’s the thing we do that is most in keeping with the values that make Buxton unique.

Let me explain.

For much of its history, Buxton has been a hidden gem. There has been a certain sense of modesty about the school, not wanting to seem noisy or braggy. The school’s approach to publicity could best be described as “no thanks.” The low profile was also thought to cultivate an environment where students can learn without the distractions of everyday life.

All of this contributed to the feeling that Buxton was special. But it was a feeling held by the very small number of people who actually make up the Buxton community. Because the flip side of being a hidden gem is being obscure.

The costs of obscurity are great, and are borne by the school and by all the communities that might benefit from Buxton’s remarkable work. Buxton has remained unknown by students and teachers who might have made us proud. Buxton faculty and staff—always on the smaller side—missed out on the help of people who might otherwise have contributed to the life of the school. And the unique magic of how learning happens at Buxton was kept a secret, when the world has so much to gain from hearing about us.

Can the board be a bridge between Buxton and its supporters, and going the other direction, to outsiders who can benefit from a glimpse of what happens at Buxton? I think so.

Starting this fall, most of the board’s members are now assigned to one of two new committees: the Alumni and Parent Outreach committee, and the Educator Outreach. This will be most member’s sole committee assignment, with the expectation that they will work a few hours each month on the job.

On the first committee, board members will be working to strengthen the school’s relationships with its closest friends and better understand how our alumni and parents want to engage with the school. In the process, we hope

Buxton will benefit from those communities’ contributions—in the form of their talents, their financial resources, candidates for admission, or participation on the Board or the Alumni Council.

On the second committee, board members will forge relationships with educators who either already serve Buxton (think of the middle schools and educational consultants that send us applicants) or who could potentially join arms with us in arts education, supplementary academic activities, or summer programs.

At a small school with almost limitless talent but limited time and money, there’s always more work to do. This year, I hope board members can pick up some of that slack. They can make things happen that might otherwise fall victim to limited person-hours. More importantly, they can be the eyes and ears of Buxton.

And that is what I mean by outreach.

I hope everyone reading this will be receptive to a broader and deeper dialogue with our board members working in outreach. And by asking you to do that, we are asking the same thing we ask of all current Buxton community members—which is to listen.

Moreover, I hope some of you will be inspired to do your own outreach. Help us find admissions candidates, host an event in your area, or consider whether your talents might help the on-campus life at Buxton. We’d welcome the chance to strategize with you.

Please reach out!

Tom Rutledge