BEYOND THE CIRCLE: Empowering Girls, Changing the World A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR LAUREL’S NEXT CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND DISTINCTION.
LAUREL SCHOOL | est. 1896
LAUREL SCHOOL’S MISSION + VALUES
MISSION STATEMENT:
To inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world.
VALUES STATEMENT:
Committed to building a just and inclusive world, Laurel girls are courageous, creative, ethical and compassionate.
OUR JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE
As we emerge from the pandemic, Laurel is proud to reaffirm the mission “Toinspireeachgirltofulfillherpromiseandthebettertheworld.” and our values statement, “Committedtobuildingajustandinclusiveworld, Laurelgirlsarecourageous,creative,ethicalandcompassionate.”
We are also proud to present a new strategic plan for Laurel School. BeyondtheCircle:EmpoweringGirls,ChangingtheWorld, builds on Laurel’s legacy of excellence; celebrates and strengthens Laurel’s culture of innovation and distinction; and inspires us to be bold and visionary in our continued quest to be the school of choice for standout girls in Ohio.
BEYOND THE CIRCLE
Powered by exceptional talent and a culture of excellence, distinctive assets and expertise, and prestigious and exclusive offerings, Laurel attracts, develops, inspires and graduates powerful girls who make their mark and thrive over a lifetime—the “Laurel Difference” is unmistakable in any student or alum. This declaration of the “Laurel Difference” is the overarching vision for our work going forward. And it was the guiding principle used to develop our framework of three distinct strategic pillars—A Culture of Excellence Fueled by Outstanding Faculty and Students; Extraordinary Academics and Programs that Attract, Support and Develop Stellar Girls and Women; and Distinctive Assets and Expertise that are Enduring and Relevant—to focus our efforts, and to articulate our goals and achievement in each area as the plan comes to fruition.
A Culture of Excellence Fueled by Exceptional Faculty and Students
A coveted place to teach and to work, with nationally prominent faculty and staff Reputation, merit and needs-based student pool yields standout talent Strong culture and shared norms drive excellence, accountability, pride and belonging to the community
Extraordinary Academics and Programs that Attract, Support and Develop Stellar Girls and Women Recognized selectivity in Admissions Cutting edge, unique curriculum and programs Strategic athletic excellence
expertise
experiential
outdoor education
emerging disciplines that drive
outcomes
resources to support
facilitate the
Distinctive Assets and Expertise that are Enduring and Relevant Unequalled
in educating confident, competent, successful women Pioneer in
and
Innovator in
lifelong
Facilities and
and
student journey
ACTIONS
The programs, initiatives and actions we will take to move Laurel “BeyondtheCircle” in the months and years ahead will constantly reinforce that Laurel is the best school in Northeast Ohio and one of the best in the nation—as rated by faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae, and the community.
LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
Ambitious plans require financial commitment, which is why BeyondtheCircle is aligned with LaurelisWhereSheBegins, the campaign for Laurel School. As we build on a proud tradition of educating Laurel girls to become women of distinction, we look towards a future of limitless possibilities.
2022-2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEMBERS
Megan Lum Mehalko ’83
Chair, Board of Trustees
P ’17
Carey Jaros ’96
Vice Chair & Chair Elect P ’28, ’30, ’33
Susan Shons Luria ’85 Secretary P ’20, ’21
Bethany Bryant Treasurer P ’19
Susan Opatrny Althans ’80
Zara Azhar P ’19, ’27
Kristine Bryan ’80
Gausia Chowdhury ’02
Alisa Taylor Cowen ’72
Anne Dalton ’63
Karen McCartan DeSantis ’79
Erica Markum Dennings ’81
Megan Embrescia ’95
P ’28, ’34, ’37
Taylor Goodman ’05
April Hawkins ’83
Margaret Schumann Ippolito
P ’13, ’15, ’20
Kathleen Jeavons ’81
Michael Anne Johnson ’64
Matthew Krug P ’28, ’31
Anita Lee ’88
David Markowitz P ’22
Lynne Megerian P ’18
Chaundra King Monday ’95
Brian Robbins P ’21
Beth Sheeler P ’25
Kim Simpson ’90 P ’19
Laurence Talley P ’24
Suzanne Schulze Taylor ’81 P ’10
EX-OFFICIO
Ann V. Klotz
Head of School P ’11, ’13
Maia Hunt-Ledford Rucker ’97 P ’22, ’25 | LSAA
Neeti Sundaresh ’95 P ’31, ’33, ’38 | LSPA
Meredith Stewart Reimer ’95 P ’30, ’38 | LSPA
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
Megan Lum Mehalko ’83 Chair, Board of Trustees P ’17
Karen McCartan DeSantis ’79
Kathleen Jeavons ’81
Susan Shons Luria ’85 P ’20, ’21
LAUREL SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Ann V. Klotz Head of School P ’11, ’13
Heather Daly
Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives and Engagement
Rachel Herlein
Assistant Head of School for Academic Excellence
P ’28
P=Parent
Dream. Dare. Do.
Laurel School One Lyman Circle Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
LaurelSchool.org
/LaurelSchool @LaurelSchool
