• The School hosted a series of focus groups with Ellis constituents, including Board members, parents, and community leaders. These focus groups explored how Ellis could become a leader in STEM education for girls; how to broaden our emphasis on athletics to include wellness and stress reduction, as well as the potential for a regulation-sized athletic field; and what role our School could play in setting the agenda for girls’ and women’s leadership in the region. So far, these sessions indicate widespread support for each of these strategic areas, as well as anticipation for  specific next steps that will emerge from the planning process.

• With funding from the Eden Hall Foundation, Ellis has been exploring the feasibility of a center for girls’ and women’s leadership here at Ellis. Focus groups have helped refine the vision for such a center, as has benchmarking against other girls’ schools across the nation, and women's and girls’ organizations regionally. Evaluation of such a center will conclude by April 2013.

• Ellis now has the opportunity to consider fund-raising for a regulation-sized athletic field on campus. As part of its Bakery Square 2.0 project, Walnut Capital agreed to a land swap with Ellis that will allow us to expand the footprint of our property. Walnut Capital has donated roughly $500,000 in materials and labor to Ellis, including demolition of the Armory and garage. When this work is complete, we will be well positioned to begin raising funds to construct the first regulation-sized athletic field in our School’s history.

• Finally, a Board Task Force with expertise in management, finance and education has worked closely with School Administration to address every aspect of our program including academic and faculty excellence, the total student and parental experience at Ellis, as well as short and long-term financial considerations. Recent reductions in staffing at Ellis, as well as additional expense reductions, will bring our School’s expenses in line with those of similarly-sized schools and will help to contain future tuition increases. Change can be challenging but is necessary for the continued success of our School. Even with these changes, Ellis retains the lowest faculty to student ratio of any independent school in our region.

All of this engagement is based on the feedback parents, alumnae, faculty, and staff provided in surveys in spring 2012. As we reported at Opening Convocation and in the October edition of Ellis magazine, you told us we need to be stronger in STEM. You told us we must focus on athletics AND on stress reduction and fun as part of the Ellis experience. You told us how much you value the nurturing girls-only environment offered at Ellis, and you challenged us to define a contemporary vision for girls’ and women’s education. Your feedback has catalyzed our process.

By May 2013 of this year, a strategic plan with timelines and action steps will be presented for approval to our Board. A finalized strategic plan and a balanced budget are crucial to a strong financial future for our School: funders and community partners give strong consideration to non-profit organizations with balanced budgets and strategic plans.

These are exciting and challenging times for Ellis, and for all independent schools. Thanks to the participation of our parents, board, and the community in this process, Ellis is up for the challenge.

We thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with our School.

Sincerely,

Randie