April 2011 Volume 3, Issue 3
The Lamp A Newsletter from Oldfields School
Special Interest Articles:
Spotlight on the Board of Trustees Alumnae Weekend 2011 Introducing: Oldfields Summer Programs
A Letter from the Head of School What makes an independent school successful? I have worked in private schools for over 40 years and I have seen some schools flourish while similar schools flounder. Why does one school achieve financial sustainability and, more importantly, provide a superb education tailored to the individual student, while others with even better resources seem to be like a boat without a rudder? The answer is ―people.‖ Probably the most important people are those who have the most direct impact on our students – the faculty and the staff. When I returned to Oldfields three years ago, I knew that the School would thrive, because there were six faculty members who so cherished what Oldfields stood for that they had taught here for over 20 years! They were intellectually committed to the mission of the School, but, more importantly, had Oldfields in their heart. In addition, they had provided leadership for a talented group of younger faculty. However, there is another group whose commitment is vital to the success of any school, and that is the Board of Trustees. It is crucial that the Board be aware of and support all that happens in their school, while also being very careful not to interfere in the day-to-day operations. The old adage is that they must have a ―nose in, butt out.‖ However, despite having a limited impact on what happens on any particular day or in any specific program, the overall guidance that they provide can make or break a school. Since I returned three years ago, I have been blessed by having two extraordinary board chairs, Scott Menzies and John Hawks. Scott‘s creativity and tenacity steered us through a period when financial conditions were difficult for all independent schools. Our challenges were vast, but his leadership made a ―mole hill out of a mountain.‖ John‘s leadership qualities are different, but just as crucial for the long-term health of the School. He has done a superb job of getting all the members of the Board involved to make this great school of ours even greater! However, in reality, every Board member is a leader and I could give you dozens of examples of how each Board member has contributed to Oldfields; however, there is one example that stands out in my mind that will reflect both the commitment and the effectiveness of our Board. In February 2010, Maryland had historic snow storms. There was one stretch of a week in which we had four feet of snow! Flat-roofed buildings all over Maryland were collapsing and although our indoor riding arena remained standing, it was damaged beyond repair. An indoor facility was crucial to the riding program and