Our Board of Trustees
Happy New Year to all of you at Saint Edward’s School. I hope you enjoyed the break and are ready to tackle 2024 with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination.
As we start 2024, it would be a good idea to start at the top by communicating the importance of our Board of Trustees.
Recognizing the difference between a Board of Directors and a Board of Trustees is important. A Board of Directors is usually associated with public companies (think Apple or Microsoft). The members of the Board of Directors are usually paid for their time in serving on the Board. A Board of Trustees is generally associated with a non-profit, and members serve as volunteers. In the case of Saint Edward’s, the term Trustee means to hold the School in Trust.
The Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of independent schools. These governing bodies are responsible for guiding the strategic direction, overseeing financial management and ensuring the overall well-being of the institution. Independent schools, which operate outside the purview of government control, rely heavily on their Boards to make critical decisions that impact the school community.
Mission Driven
One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to ensure we are living the school's mission and vision. Through a collaborative process that involves input from various stakeholders, including educators, parents and administrators, the Board also crafts a strategic plan that reflects the institution's values and long-term goals. This vision serves as a guiding force for the entire school community. The Board's commitment to maintaining a clear and compelling vision helps create a sense of purpose and direction throughout the school.
Financial Stewardship
Unlike their public counterparts, independent schools are typically funded through tuition, donations and endowments. Saint Edward's financial health heavily depends on the expertise and diligence of the Board of Trustees. Boards are responsible for establishing budgets, overseeing fundraising initiatives and ensuring the School operates within its means. By exercising prudent financial stewardship, Boards contribute to the institution's long-term viability, safeguarding its ability to provide quality education and sustain its mission over time. To quote our Board Chair, Wendy Porter, "the Board is essentially responsible for long-range estate planning for the School."
Fostering a Supportive Environment
The success of an independent school goes beyond academic achievement; it encompasses the overall well-being of the school community. Boards of Trustees play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Through the development and enforcement of policies, Boards contribute to creating a school culture where all individuals feel valued and respected. Additionally, Boards are instrumental in appointing school leaders who embody and champion these values, ensuring that the entire institution reflects a commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for students, faculty and staff.
The Board has one employee, the head of school, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of running the school. The Board is focused on strategic initiatives and estate planning for the future of the institution. The head of school focuses on the current faculty, staff, students and families to ensure the seamless execution of the educational mission and the overall well-being of the school community.
Finally, this collaborative dynamic between the Board and the head of school exemplifies a well-balanced governance structure. While the Board concentrates on long-term planning, the head of school focuses on the present, ensuring that the institution remains vibrant, dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its community. Together, they form a powerful partnership, steering the institution toward a future that is both sustainable and rich in educational excellence.
The Board of Trustees at Saint Edward’s School:
Officers:
Board Chair, Wendy Porter
Chair of Investment & Vice Chair, Rick McDermott
Chair of Finance & Secretary/Treasurer, Darren Sylvia
Mission Driven
One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to ensure we are living the school's mission and vision. Through a collaborative process that involves input from various stakeholders, including educators, parents and administrators, the Board also crafts a strategic plan that reflects the institution's values and long-term goals. This vision serves as a guiding force for the entire school community. The Board's commitment to maintaining a clear and compelling vision helps create a sense of purpose and direction throughout the school.
Financial Stewardship
Unlike their public counterparts, independent schools are typically funded through tuition, donations and endowments. Saint Edward's financial health heavily depends on the expertise and diligence of the Board of Trustees. Boards are responsible for establishing budgets, overseeing fundraising initiatives and ensuring the School operates within its means. By exercising prudent financial stewardship, Boards contribute to the institution's long-term viability, safeguarding its ability to provide quality education and sustain its mission over time. To quote our Board Chair, Wendy Porter, "the Board is essentially responsible for long-range estate planning for the School."
Fostering a Supportive Environment
The success of an independent school goes beyond academic achievement; it encompasses the overall well-being of the school community. Boards of Trustees play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Through the development and enforcement of policies, Boards contribute to creating a school culture where all individuals feel valued and respected. Additionally, Boards are instrumental in appointing school leaders who embody and champion these values, ensuring that the entire institution reflects a commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for students, faculty and staff.
The Board has one employee, the head of school, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of running the school. The Board is focused on strategic initiatives and estate planning for the future of the institution. The head of school focuses on the current faculty, staff, students and families to ensure the seamless execution of the educational mission and the overall well-being of the school community.
Finally, this collaborative dynamic between the Board and the head of school exemplifies a well-balanced governance structure. While the Board concentrates on long-term planning, the head of school focuses on the present, ensuring that the institution remains vibrant, dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its community. Together, they form a powerful partnership, steering the institution toward a future that is both sustainable and rich in educational excellence.
The Board of Trustees at Saint Edward’s School:
Officers:
Board Chair, Wendy Porter
Chair of Investment & Vice Chair, Rick McDermott
Chair of Finance & Secretary/Treasurer, Darren Sylvia
Adam Logemann, Chair of the Advancement Committee
Román Ortega-Cowan ’96, Chair of the Governance Committee
Andrew Russell ‘97, Chair of the Mission & Education Committee
John Huryn, Chair of the Buildings & Grounds Committee
Anthony DeChellis ‘80
Jason Fykes
Ed Halsey ‘75
John Lowenberg, Sr.
Elycia Morris
Jason Orzechowski
Stuart Rogers
Richard Sameth
Sue Thomas
Román Ortega-Cowan ’96, Chair of the Governance Committee
Andrew Russell ‘97, Chair of the Mission & Education Committee
John Huryn, Chair of the Buildings & Grounds Committee
Anthony DeChellis ‘80
Jason Fykes
Ed Halsey ‘75
John Lowenberg, Sr.
Elycia Morris
Jason Orzechowski
Stuart Rogers
Richard Sameth
Sue Thomas
Please take a moment to thank these volunteers who donate their time, expertise and personal resources to ensuring Saint Edward’s remains a strong pillar of the Vero Beach community, today and in the future.
I look forward to seeing you around campus!
Stuart
Stuart
©2019 Saint Edward's School, all rights reserved