Part I: Introduction

It gives me tremendous pleasure to present the Campbell Hall Strategic Plan 2008. Members of the Strategic Planning Committee are commended for their dedication, their gifts of time and energy, and their commitment to working in the very best interests of the school. The diversity of the group is considerable, yet during the multiple-year-long process there was strong consensus on major issues. Each person in the group brought his or her own background and story; every constituency is represented, and each committee member felt responsibility to further the school which was the driving force of the process. Facilitator Jim McManus was an inspiration; his wealth of experience in independent school leadership and his wisdom served to guide us all as we considered the future. Begun in 2005 and completed by early 2008, the strategic planning process has proven invaluable in considering the school’s goals. It has also proven invaluable in re-examining the school today and the community we celebrate.

The Campbell Hall strategic plan is a bold and insightful document which fully embraces every aspect of the educational process unique to Campbell Hall. Clearly, there are tangible—“concrete”—aspects to address, and the prospect of enhancing and upgrading the campus to better accommodate the teaching and learning that takes place here is thrilling. There are tremendously exciting ideas being generated to serve our students. Moreover, equal weight is given to intangible aspects of the program—aspects relating to the heart and soul of the institution, its traditions and heritages—which have provided a sound foundation upon which to build.

From the very beginning of the process—parent and teacher opinion sought via questionnaires, reactions during focus groups, gatherings involving parents, students, faculty and staff, and deliberations in committee meetings—several themes emerged that resonated with a sense of passion and consensus. Although interpretation and articulation varied, it remained clear that one theme be preserved at all cost; that theme was community. In a fast-paced cosmopolitan city where daily routines are impacted to the extreme, it is clear that Campbell Hall families feel connected to the school and its mission, and parents feel part of their child’s educational journey. That connection is manifested in their support, which serves to enrich the program and their children’s lives. Campbell Hall volunteers are second to none and, without a doubt, that commitment makes the school a better place.

At Campbell Hall, we have a thriving community supported by families and friends who want to provide the best opportunities for children and the future of this country. The Committee applauds the fact that our institution has gone from strength to strength in the transition of headmasters from Canon Thomas G. Clarke to the Rev. Julian P. Bull, at the helm since 2003. With the implementation of term limits on the Board of Directors, I have seen a new generation of highly qualified trustees come to the table on behalf of this institution we all love so much to work side by side with those of us who have been here (so much) longer. Consistency of leadership has long been one of the school’s great strengths, allowing momentum to build towards strategic imperatives, and the Committee celebrates that ongoing asset.

Campbell Hall is a place of exemplary teaching and learning. It is also a place where people feel connected. We value and hold dear the spirit which draws us to our school and seeks to further the work of Campbell Hall to benefit the students entrusted to its care. This Strategic Plan 2008 will chart the school through the next ten years and serve as a source of strength and definition in continuing to advance the institution.

With pride and gratitude to all those who contributed to this plan,

Sincerely Yours,

Thomas R. Von Der Ahe
Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Chair, Campbell Hall Board of Directors

Members and Guests of the Strategic Planning Committee, 2005-2008:

  • Rob Anker
  • James Bejjani ‘06
  • Karen Blackwell
  • Annie Block
  • Robbie Blumenfeld
  • Julian Bull
  • Jackie Callas
  • Theresia Cunningham
  • Kiel FitzGerald
  • Jennifer Foley
  • Erika Glazer
  • Reem Hammad
  • DeAnne Hayes
  • David Horvitz
  • Mike Kerr
  • Carolyn LaGaly
  • Jordan Mayerson ‘07
  • Michael Metelski
  • Niko Milonopoulos ‘05
  • Theo Milonopoulos ‘05
  • Roque Moscoso
  • Ryan Newman
  • Barry Paulk
  • Tom Phelps
  • Stuart Posin ‘96
  • Eileen Powers
  • Mario Santonastaso
  • Michael Silva
  • Dove Simmons
  • Vahe Tawilian ‘07
  • Cami Taylor
  • Steven Tolbert
  • Juan Velazquez
  • Thomas Von Der Ahe, Sr., Chair
  • Eileen Wasserman
  • Keith Wheeler
  • Ken Wright

Strategic Plan