Inspiring the Promise

Berkshire Country Day School’s Strategic Plan

Inspiring the Promise Vision of BCD in 2 0 1 5

Berkshire Country Day School’s Strategic Plan Distinct in program, adventurous in spirit,
September 2009 engaged in a changing world.
Introduction
In the fall of 2008, The Board of Trustees of Berkshire Country Day School embarked on a long-
range strategic planning process to affirm our mission and philosophy, to clarify and convey our
values, and to create a shared vision for the future of our school. Led by a Long Range Planning
Steering Committee, representing many of our constituency groups, and guided by a prominent
independent school strategic planning consultant, the process engaged hundreds of community
members in roundtable discussions, surveys, and a day-long strategic planning symposium. Faculty
and staff, trustees, current and past parents, students, graduates, and friends of the school, all
contributed to the process.

The strategic framework presented in this book was approved by the Board of Trustees in April
2009. It articulates our major goals and the strategies required to achieve them, guiding our efforts
during the years to come. After reviewing the input gathered throughout the process, the Board,
administration and faculty have identified the initiatives that will be undertaken. A Long Range
Strategic Plan Committee has been charged to oversee and evaluate our progress.

Our vision for the future sets a course for teaching and learning, community building and outreach,
and financial sustainability. It inspires us to imagine Berkshire Country Day School “distinct in
program, adventurous in spirit, engaged in a changing world.” We are truly grateful for the
collaboration, thoughtfulness, and participation of the members of our school community and look
ahead to our shared endeavor to fulfill our mission.

Paul Lindenmaier
Head of School
2008–09 Steering Committee
Co-Chairs
PA U L LIND ENMA IER
Head of School; Trustee; Ex-Officio,
all Board Committees; Current Parent
F RA N RU T HV EN
Trustee; Committee on Trustees;
Past Parent
Committee
LYNN CAMPANA DAV I D H O S O K AWA L A U R I E S CH IFF
Trustee; Secretary; Executive Committee; Finance Trustee; Finance Committee; Admission Trustee; Development Committee; Committee
Committee; Admission Marketing Committee; Marketing Committee; Current Parent on Trustees and Governance; Current Parent
Past Parent
JES S E H O WA R D K EV IN S P R A G U E ’ 8 1
MAXINE CAR TER-LOME Theater and Film Director Trustee; Treasurer; Executive Committee;
Director of Development and Communications Finance Committee; Alum; Current Parent
CL A I R E n aylo r- P O L L A R T
CAR MEN DOCKERY PER KINS Trustee; Development Committee; Committee JEFF U H A S
Associate Head of School; on Trustees; Enrichment Program Coordinator; Librarian; History Teacher; Coach
French & Spanish Teacher; Current Parent Current Parent
T Y L ER ING H A M W EL D
DONNA ELMENDORF A N DR EA PAT EL Current Parent
Trustee; Vice President; Executive Committee; Kindergarten Teacher; Past Parent
Finance Committee; Current Parent ER I C W I L S K A
G EOFF P ER K INS Trustee; Buildings and Grounds Committee;
PAUL FR ANTZ Math Department Chair; Math Teacher; Coach; Current Parent
Associate Head of School; Coach; Current Parent
Math Teacher; Past Parent JENN Y W R I G H T
S A R A H P I TCH ER- H OFFMA N Graphic Designer
TIM GORE English, History Teacher; Coach;
Science Department Chair; Science Teacher; Past Parent
Coach; Current Parent
MA R I A NN A P O U TA S S E
MAUREEN HENN ES S EY PA Co-Chair; Alum; Current Parent
Trustee; Committee on Trustees;
Current and Past Parent T O M R I CH ’ 6 6
Alum; Current Parent
Mission & Philosophy
Values
MISSION
Berkshire Country Day School exists
to inspire the individual promise of every student,
that each may become an exemplary citizen of the world.
P H ILOSOP HY
Berkshire Country Day School is dedicated to encouraging
academic excellence at the highest level and to realizing each
student’s potential for well-rounded development. We provide
a stimulating and challenging education in a supportive and
nurturing environment. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery,
students learn to be resourceful and responsible. In an
atmosphere of mutual respect, students learn about community
and caring for others. Berkshire Country Day School is a place
where each student can meet success as a 21st century learner.
Approved by the Board of Trustees—January 15, 2009
Our values guide us to engage members of the school community
in the shared responsibility of fostering students’ growth and
supporting their individual talents and passions.
Origi n alit y We provide learning activities that inspire creativity and thoughtful reflection in an
environment where each student is nurtured, celebrated, and encouraged to take risks.
Qualit y We promote academic excellence and scholarship so that each student can flourish and
succeed through a vigorous curriculum and an extensive offering of arts and athletics.
R espect We empower acts of inclusion and acceptance with due regard for the feelings,
wishes, rights, and traditions of others.
S u stain abilit y We educate our community about the impact of our actions and behaviors on the
environment and instill practices that protect its long-term viability.
C omm u n it y We establish trust, cooperation, and accountability within an atmosphere of belonging
where we all invest in the success and well-being of each other.
W ell n ess We ensure the physical, social, and emotional health of each community member.
C iti z e n ship We guide all members of our diverse school community to become ethical, engaged,
and informed global citizens.
Approved by the Board of Trustees—January 15, 2009
Goal One: Teaching and Learning
Berkshire Country Day School’s innovative faculty
cultivates in students the desire, confidence, and skills
to be creative learners and critical thinkers.

Our distinct program and commitment to excellence attracts,

engages, and retains individuals who are passionate about
teaching. These teachers have access to the tools and the
resources they need to be energetic, informed, and creative
educators, and positive influences in the lives of our 21st
century learners. They inspire, shape, and impact each student
in meaningful ways that extend well beyond the classroom.
They cultivate awareness and originality, instill confidence
and model leadership – making the BCD experience one that
prepares young people to become critical thinkers, creative
individuals, and exemplary citizens of the world.

S trateg ies

A. Support and encourage innovation, D. Build school-wide capacity for leadership.

originality, and boldness in teaching and
E. Improve and steward BCD’s campus
learning.
resources to accommodate and reflect the
B. Prepare students to be highly responsive quality of BCD’s program.
and engaged community members and
F. Develop and cultivate a culture
global citizens.
of technological proficiency and
C. Attract, develop, and retain exceptional responsibility.
educators.
Goal Two: Community
Berkshire Country Day School is known, understood,
and appreciated as an educational leader, a diverse
community, and a good neighbor.

As a community of impassioned educators and learners, we

have much to learn, much to give, and much to share. We are
known by our neighbors for the common values we hold, the
actions we take, and the contributions we make as concerned
and engaged members of our community. Understanding
and celebrating diversity makes us who we are and prepares
our students to become citizens of the world. The impact we
make on our Berkshire community is appreciated, our place as a
good neighbor recognized, and our role as an educational leader
valued. These characteristics attract and retain families who
share our vision and commitment to the place we call home.

S trateg ies

A. Strengthen relationships with and service D. Develop a comprehensive strategy that clearly
to the local community. defines the value of the BCD experience.
B. Study and understand the needs of local E. Improve BCD’s image.
and regional communities.
F. Promote the value of BCD to target audiences.
C. Build a culture of shared responsibility for
advocating the value of BCD to the broader
community.
Goal Three: Finances
Berkshire Country Day School’s financial resources
are stable and sustainable.

Long-term financial health is built on a foundation of thoughtful

strategic planning, strong leadership, and sound business
management. BCD’s plans reflect the realities of today and support
our vision for the future. We implement best practices in the areas of
enrollment management, facilities planning, and philanthropic
giving. Our long-range financial plan informs the operation of all
aspects of our school. As stewards of the School and its mission,
everyone gives what he or she can to strengthen our resources
today and endow Berkshire Country Day School’s future.

S trateg ies

A. Identify, benchmark, and implement best D. Build the culture of philanthropy.

practices in achieving stability and
E. Improve the BCD community’s awareness
sustainability as an independent school.
and understanding of the school’s finances.
B. Develop a ten-year financial strategic plan.
C. Develop and implement a comprehensive
enrollment management plan that addresses
recruitment, retention, and diversity.
Acknowledgements
chri st i na dr oui n
Speaker, writer and planning consultant Christina Drouin is a former classroom teacher and a twenty-five
year practitioner of nonprofit planning and marketing. A former independent school administrator and
the recipient of several national awards, she is a frequent session leader and speaker at independent
school annual conferences, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

As founder and director of the Center for Strategic Planning, Christina Drouin is known for her innovative
work in adapting business models, principles and practices to school and faith-based settings. A veteran
group process designer and facilitator, she has designed and facilitated more than 400 hundred group
processes over the past five years that have included board and faculty retreats, strategic plan launches,
strategic thinking sessions, core values identification workshops, vision casting, goal setting sessions,
community-wide symposia, and outcome-based objective writing workshops.

Recent writing projects have included the chapter “Building the Campus Marketing System” published
in Marketing Independent Schools in the 21st Century, released in 2001 by NAIS. She also co-au-
thored
The Strategic Process—10 Steps for Planning Your Independent School’s Future, NAIS’s newest book
on strategic planning, published in 2007.

j ohn dola n
Photography

barbara n ewman
Copy consulting

jen ny wr i ght
Design
Where you belong.