End of Year Notes From Aidan's Board President

Dear Aidan Community,

I am writing to share a few updates from the Board’s annual meeting in May. First, I am pleased to announce that we elected Josh Ackil and Eoin Healy as Vice Presidents, and re-elected Mana Behbin Baltimore and Brenda Haendler as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. I remain grateful for our other returning trustees Erika Braddock, Zoya Davis, Chris Eanes, Jennifer Paige, Emily Skor, and Kennedy Wright. And big thanks go to our departing trustees Dan Cave, Leanne Davis, and Paul Goldstein for their years of hard work for the Board. 

I am also happy to announce that the Board has selected Alysa Herrera Taylor, Ellease Gibson White, and Daniel Widome as new trustees. Alysa, Daniel, and Ellease are parents in the Primary program who have an impressive range of skill sets that will serve Aidan well. Alysa, Daniel, and Ellease: Welcome to the Board. We are thrilled that you are joining us and we look forward to working with you. 

Like many of you in our community, the trustees have been busier than ever during this year of the pandemic. Highlights of the Board’s work this school year include: 

• The Buildings & Grounds Committee and Health & Safety Advisory Committee (formerly the Reopening Task Force) worked with the school to provide a safe environment for in-person learning—including the installation of new windows, modifying classrooms to facilitate distancing and fresh air circulation, and the construction of the nurse’s office. Buildings & Grounds has also been heavily involved in the project that will take place over the summer, which, among other things,  includes revamping the HVAC system to make it cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient. 

• The Advancement Committee, together with Aidan’s Director of Advancement, gamely took on the challenge of wholly digital fundraising. The virtual Authentically Aidan event, with special guest speaker Alice Waters, was a resounding success, raising over $50,000 for Aidan’s financial aid program. Fresh on the heels of Authentically Aidan, the Advancement Committee has turned to planning for next year’s celebration of Aidan Montessori’s 60th Anniversary. I hope to see you at next year’s 60th Anniversary gala.

• The Board of Trustees voted to establish its Access, Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity Committee as a standing committee. The Board and School administration will also participate in a diversity training workshop over the summer. I am excited that the Board and School remain committed to doing the important work that DEIA requires of us all. 

• The Strategic Planning Committee moved forward with the process for drafting Aidan’s strategic plan and organized several working groups of volunteers pulled from different stakeholder sectors in our community. The Committee is currently synthesizing the recommendations of the working groups to come up with the School’s next strategic plan, which will help guide Aidan into the future.

Reflecting on the past year while writing this letter, I feel immense gratitude. I am grateful for my fellow trustees, who work so hard and care so much about our School. I am also thankful for our dedicated faculty, staff, and admin team, all the other parent volunteers and supporters who have given so much to Aidan, and our strong and vibrant family community. I hope that you all have a safe and wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you on the School steps in September.

Best regards,

Rachel Li