Approximately 55 parents, faculty, and staff attended the School's 22nd Annual Open Board of Trustees meeting on June 5th at 7:00 P.M. in the Lower School Common. Three Trustees are retiring from the Board at the end of June:  Wendy and Richard Plaster after 12 years and Dana Su Lee after four years. They were recognized for their many contributions, generosities, and service to the School. Two new Trustees were welcomed to the Board to serve a three-year term beginning July 1st, Laurel Andrew and Victor Onufrieff. New Officers for the 2006-2007 school year were announced as follows: Chairman I. Lawrence Epstein; Vice Chairman Rollie Sturm; Secretary Janet Kofkin; Treasurer Michael Novick; and Carolyn Goodman, Founder and Trustee Emeritus.

Board Chair Carolyn Goodman gave a brief history of the School, a description of the role of the Board and its committees, an overview of the accreditation process throughout the years, and made comments about the School's membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). She explained that it is The Meadows Charter beyond its Mission Statement that makes the School unique from other independent schools for it alone states the founding principles upon which the School was created and to which it was dedicated in perpetuity.

Statistics about the School touched upon during the meeting include:

1) To continue to maintain diversity within the student body, 33% are minority students, and at least 15% are from low-income families.

2) Fifty-seven students graduated on June 3, bringing the number of alumni to 652. This is the 16th class to graduate from The Meadows.

After a brief review of the year by Mr. Ryshke (see PDF for the Head of School report), a question and response period was conducted.  Parents, members of the Class of 2006, and a member of the faculty shared their thoughts about this past year's transition. A survey (anonymous) as a self-study of the School and this past year in particular is in the process of creation by the Board.  With input and the concurrence of the Head of School, this survey will be made available to parents, students, faculty, staff, administration, and Board members after the summer in order to provide insight as to ways the School may continue on its path to sustained excellence.