The Birth & Growth of a School 1971 - 1991: Professionalizing the Administration - Development

In the early years, due to smaller enrollment and greater parent involvement, the demands on the school's staffing were more simple. Still, in the late '70's, Barbara Hilton and later, Erna Faulkner did a heroic job in administrating the needs of the faculty, parents and finances. Financial planning and budget setting were not carried at that time by the office.

In the mid 80's, Susan Madison brought professionalism and a business background to the office. Thus, Susan formalized a management system to provide better filing and record keeping; her financial planning talents increased the scope of responsibilties currently held by the business office.

Sallie Van Sant came in 1988. In order to guarantee a more efficient flow of office tasks and to store information, a new space with more updated equipment was recently provided. in 1987 the Board of Trustees began recognizing the need for a development program. Priorities were identified such as fund raising and long range planning and in 1988 a job description was written for the position of development coordinator, which was filled in September 1989.

Roy Bunce and Greg Richie were hired as consultants to work with the new development committee and coordinator. They emphasized the need for stronger family infra-structure and ownership by all of the community in the mission and goals of the school.

Since 1989, seminars in development have been attended by staff and volunteers. The school has enjoyed fireside chats for all parents, an active development committee focusing on greater communication in the school and the community; an annual appeal that increased by 300% in one year and presently the foundation for long range planning and an endowment.

Next: Glimpses Into The Future:Long Range Planning by Bob Norris