As the Chair of the ASW Board of Trustees, I am reaching out to you again in light of the recent review by Ms. Jane Foster and the message below from our Director. First, I want to express the Board's continued support for our Director, who will have dedicated nine years of exceptional service to our school when he retires in June 2025. His leadership has been instrumental in many of the successes we have celebrated together.
The ASW Board of Trustees takes the findings of Ms. Foster’s report very seriously. We also recognize that, though daunting, these findings present us with an opportunity for growth and improvement. The Board fully supports the Director's commitment to addressing the gaps identified, particularly in fostering a more inclusive and safe environment where every voice is heard and valued. As a top priority, we intend an immediate focus on Professional Culture at ASW and affirm it as a strategic area to initiate transformative change at all levels within the school. In particular, and aligned with the themes that have emerged, the Board’s actions and support will develop through these goals:
Facilitated focus groups to explore core concerns further and reflect on the administration’s facilitation of these sessions. (starting February 2024)
A complete review of HR policy and procedures with adjustments taken up in Board meetings before the end of the year. (starting March 2024)
A revision of relevant handbooks and documents to describe pathways for bringing forward concerns and better implementation of the existing confidential disclosure process.
The design, selection, and integration of an ombuds program that could provide, like our Employee Assistance Program, an independent and objective channel for future concerns. (by August 2024)
Maintain oversight on the construction and renovation project including safety and risk management while also monitoring the development of plans under strategic goals that include how the spaces will be effectively used. (Ongoing)
Affirmation of action plans developed in the accreditation process and further action planning relative to any findings from the above actions. (In advance of and following the Team visit.)
To ensure that actionable measures are being taken to meet these goals, the Board will commission a confidential survey for all administration, faculty and staff in the spring.
In line with all of this, the Board is committed to partnering closely with all of you in driving the selection process for Jon’s successor. We recognize the importance of this transition not just as a change in leadership but as a pivotal moment in the evolution of our school's culture and governance.
To ensure the implementation of the consultant's recommendations and a holistic approach to all areas of concern, we will establish a comprehensive, transparent, and participative selection process. This process will involve key stakeholders, including you, our dedicated faculty and staff. Your insights, experiences, and aspirations will be vital in shaping the profile of our next Director and, by extension, the future direction of our school.
We will be setting up a dedicated committee to oversee this process, ensuring it aligns with our shared values and the highest standards of excellence and inclusivity for which our school is known. This committee will work diligently to incorporate your feedback and ensure that the selection process is not only thorough but also reflective of our collective vision for the school.
In the coming months, we will provide regular updates and avenues for you to contribute your thoughts and suggestions. Your participation will make this transition as smooth and successful as possible. To that end, please fill out this survey to give us input on the areas where you might be willing to participate: https://forms.gle/pSttF34wySEZQStJ9
The completion of our accreditation process is also foremost in our minds as it will inform the next few years of work in driving school accomplishment. We must align these processes to maintain the integrity of our programs and our responsiveness to an ever-changing educational landscape. In the context of this, it’s also important to amplify the positive aspects of ASW to provide balance. The school’s reputation and status are based on a school with solid finances, high retention rates, robust enrollment, educational excellence, vibrant arts, clubs and sports programs and a commitment to service learning. All of these are factors in developing a balanced view and building resilience while also recognizing the growth and development goals described above that are valuable, and essential moving forward. As Jane stated in her report,
“ …Beneath these layers of discontent and uncertainty, the vast majority of conversations with all constituent members of the school community started with “we really want to be part of finding a way out of this, we welcome this opportunity, we love the school.”
The Board is fully committed to this journey of transformation and renewal. Together, with your invaluable contributions, we are confident that we will emerge stronger, more united, and better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are sensitive to your time and responsibilities but look forward to making ourselves available to those who would like to join us on Wednesday, January 10th, at 8:00a in the Theater. We’ll have myself and other Board members present to provide additional clarity and insight into the information shared above. You are welcome to attend at your discretion.
Thank you for your continued dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Your role in this process and the life of our school is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sarah Kyle
ASW Board Chair
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I write to you today not just as the Director of our school, but also as a fellow member of this vibrant school community. It is with a sense of humility and responsibility that I address the outcomes of our recent review under the guidance of Ms. Jane Foster.
My discussion with the Board on the findings of the consultant’s report has highlighted areas where we, as an institution, have faltered, particularly in fostering trust and cohesion among our staff. This is my key failure and I take full responsibility for it. While we have achieved considerable milestones over the past seven years, it is clear that not all voices have felt heard or included in our decision-making processes. For this, I fully accept the feedback provided and sincerely apologize. I am committed to continuing personal growth in my leadership style underlying some of these concerns and working with the Board to ensure tangible actions to address these concerns.
An apology, however heartfelt, is only as meaningful as the actions that follow it. Therefore, I am committing to a renewed effort to address these concerns. We will begin by initiating structured focus groups and inclusive platforms where every member of our staff can openly express their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. Your insights are not just valuable; they are essential to the growth and well-being of our school.
I also recognize that leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the ethos of any institution. As I approach my retirement in June 2025, I see an opportunity for all. Your collective voice will be instrumental in defining the profile for the next Director. This is a chance to ensure continuity in our school’s journey and to imprint your aspirations and expectations for future leadership and the many hopes expressed to our consultant.
In the coming weeks, we will organize a series of focus groups. These will be dedicated spaces for you to share openly your perspectives, both on our immediate path forward and then, in working with a to-be-selected consultant, the qualities you deem essential for the next Director. Your participation will be crucial in ensuring that our next leader is someone who embodies the values and vision that resonate with our entire school community.
This is a time for reflection, learning, and most importantly, for action. I am committed, along with renewed alignment on the leadership team, to making the remainder of my tenure a period of positive change, laying a foundation for a future that we can all be proud of. I am eager to listen, to learn, and to grow alongside each of you.
Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your passion. It is because of you that our school continues to be a beacon of excellence in education. Together, let us forge a path towards a more inclusive, transparent, and cohesive future while we face the immediate challenges of our current work together.
