Evaluating 2007-2008

A Reflection by Jo Ann

As the year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the Board’s yearly goals, my supporting yearly goals, and the teachers' goals. As I review our hopes for the year, I find that we all set very ambitious agendas. As I evaluate our progress, it is evident that we have accomplished many things together.

Westside School has an outstanding Board of Trustees. Their commitment of time has been exhausting. Work this year has focused on conducting a feasibility study within our community. The results of this study are helping us determine our next steps. Is our community ready for a capital campaign? If so, what would be a realistic financial expectation for the campaign? In conjunction with this study, the Board and the staff are revisiting our facility's master planning. Our goal right now is to bring these pieces together and come to the community with a plan by the fall.

To meet our immediate need to add two classrooms for 2008-2009, we are finalizing the purchase and installation of a fourth permitted modular. This portable will be installed this summer.

Supporting this growth, we have continued to work with our new staff members to help them come into the school’s culture. Our newest members have brought strong skills, and I am proud of our cohesive team. The success of our admissions season (We had over 117 applications!) demonstrated that many who came through our tours appreciated the joy of learning and engaging curriculum they observed.

We have created additional office and admin space by moving into the admin house. It is great to have extra space not only for our business and development offices, but also a spacious meeting room, which was recently used  for a new parent welcome coffee. In addition  to this new space,  we have improved the technology infra-structure of our school, which supports our growth both in administration and in the classrooms. 

It's been a big year, and I am proud of all Westside's accomplishments!