It seems the school year is off to a strong start. Classes, club meetings, and athletic events are now underway, and from the Board’s perspective, the climate and tone of the school are as positive as they have been in quite some time. We are grateful for the work of Head of School Bill Sinfield, along with our dedicated faculty and staff.
The Board, while somewhat behind the scenes, continues to fulfill its governance, monitoring, and leadership responsibilities. Recognizing the very real challenges of enrollment and the resulting financial pressures, we held two working retreats—one in June to clarify the issues and identify strategies, and a second in September to begin putting those strategies into action.
Our three primary strategies are as follows:
1. Enhancing Marketing and Enrollment
The Advancement Team—consisting of Linda Stamper-Keularts, Kiomie Pedrini, and the Board Advancement Committee—has developed a marketing plan with clear objectives, strategies, and messaging themes. The improvement in enrollment this year is an encouraging early sign of success.
2. Establishing an Annual Fundraising Campaign
The Advancement Team and Advancement Committee have also designed a robust fundraising plan, scheduled to launch in mid-October following the Parents’ Association Fun Run. We have set ambitious goals, but with a strong structure in place and the pro-bono guidance of a professional fundraising firm, we are hopeful for success. In addition, a 501(c)(3) endowment account is being established to provide donors with tax and investment benefits. The Board recognizes its own significant responsibility for the success of fundraising efforts and is committed to meeting that responsibility.
3. Exercising Fiscal Responsibility
As with most organizations, careful budgeting and spending are a priority. Bill, together with the Finance Committee, is actively seeking ways to ensure fiscal conservatism and responsible account management. Rising health care costs remain a major challenge, and options are being carefully researched to help manage this expense.
Head of School Search
The search process for our next Head of School is also well underway. The Search Committee has reviewed a pool of applications, and confidential semi-finalist interviews are being scheduled. Finalists are expected to visit GHCDS on October 8, 14, and 16, during which open forums will provide opportunities for community members to meet the candidates and ask questions. Your thoughts and feedback will be carefully considered by the Board as we make our final decision in early November.
The Board of Trustees is deeply committed to the success of GHCDS. We are working on ways for faculty, staff, parents, and students to get to know us better, including the addition of a Board of Trustees tab on the GHCDS Edlio app.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish the entire GHCDS community a very successful start to the 2025–2026 school year.
Bradley Ebersole, Ph.D.
Board Chair
September 20, 2025