Executive Chair’s Report

FROM THE EXECUTIVE CHAIR

The Board of Trustees has three primary goals: to set the School’s strategic direction; to hire and supervise the Head of School; and to protect the financial well-being of EHS. EHS continues to be soundly managed and financially strong. The 2018-2019 school year at Episcopal High School was marked by many successes. Here are a few highlights.

The New Underwood Student Center: In November, we blessed the new Underwood Student Center, providing outstanding facilities for our community. We can now gather at break and lunch, enjoy the beautiful displays of student artwork in the gallery, and indulge in a specialty coffee or smoothie at the Forrest Place coffee bar, while the two innovation classrooms invite and inspire students to learn and create. The project was completed on time and on budget, thanks to the hard work of Shelley Barineau and the EHS Construction Committee. With high windows allowing for natural light, stylish and comfortable furniture (thanks Amanda Johnson Whitehead ’87 and Bridget Butler Wade ’87), students can hang out in the USC on their off periods to study, enjoy friends, and more.

Mission Statement Revision: After a full year of analysis, discussion and revisions, a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees, chaired by Matthew Baird, presented a restated Mission Statement for Episcopal High School. Capturing the essence of the current Mission Statement in a shorter format, the revised Mission Statement will be posted in all of the classrooms in the 2019-2020 (see related article on page 6).

Facilities: EHS athletes got back on track, literally, with the new eight-lane track completed during the 2018-2019 school year. In addition, the Underwood Theatre received a significant upgrade with new seats, paint, carpeting, expanded wing space, backstage dressing rooms, and restrooms. The grand re-opening was in March with the production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Alumni parents, alumni, and friends were invited to join current families for the grand re-opening reception and performance. After an 18-month absence, it was great to see EHS Knights back on campus in Underwood Theatre.

The schematic design phase for the new Visual and Performing Arts Complex is complete! The capital campaign committee is seeking support for this transformative project which will add 65,000 in new and renovated facilities to support the Arts Pillars at EHS.

Report on Philanthropy: This issue celebrates the generosity of so many loyal donors and friends who provide a full 10% of the school’s operating budget, contribute important dollars for capital improvements and other needs of the school. There are many other accomplishments to highlight: The Class of 2019 was admitted to 200 different colleges and universities and received over $20 million in scholarships; we had a banner Admissions year allowing us to welcome 211 new students to EHS in August; our athletes, artists, and writers garnered SPC championships and numerous accolades and awards - the list is exciting and extensive.

Next year will be my final year as Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees. As always, I look forward to working with the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, and Head of School Ned Smith. Together we will continue to honor the Mission of Episcopal High School.

Kind regards,

Randa Duncan Williams, Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees