In 2007-2008, George School embarked upon a comprehensive process of developing a strategic plan for the school. On March 1, 2008, the George School Committee used its midyear retreat to conduct the first of a series of listening groups to foster conversation about strategic goals and priorities for the school.

Similar listening/focus group sessions followed throughout the spring of 2008 for all constituencies of the George School community, including faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and friends. We urged those who were unable to attend a listening group to go online and respond to an electronic survey that asked three questions:

1. In considering George School’s future, what external factors may have a significant impact?
2. What internal topics merit consideration in this planning cycle?
3. What aspects and qualities of George School as you know it now do you value most?

The input from the listening group participants and the electronic survey respondents provided the basis for an intensive two-day planning workshop in mid-June, led by nationally recognized educational and strategic planning consultant Susan Stone.

By the conclusion of the June workshop, participants prepared an initial draft of the proposed strategic plan, which was edited and presented in the early fall for public review and comment. The final plan was adopted by the George School Committee in January 2009.

The school governing board is confident that the strategic plan will enhance our ability to be good stewards of the school’s resources, including the remarkable $128.5 million gift we received from Barbara Dodd Anderson in fall 2007. 

The Clerk of Strategic Planning Comments on the Process

"Engaging in strategic planning is a community-wide gift, giving us much more than a plan on paper. The inclusive practice of gathering opinions about what we love and what we hope for brings us together and energizes us. We get to think broadly and generate a shared vision for how we imagine George School moving into the future. The intentionality and articulation helps us gather an organic sense of collective movement, giving hope for sustainability in an ever-changing environment. For me, the excitement of simply being on campus is enough, but participating in George School's health and longevity as one member of a multifaceted community—now that is a weighty responsibility and a great gift."

—Gretchen Castle, Clerk of Strategic Planning Oversight Committee

Strategic Planning Oversight Committee

George School Committee Members
Thomas Bell
David Bruton ’53
Gretchen Castle
Joseph M. Evans Jr.
Craig Scott
JoAnn Woodman ’43

Parent Representative
Lenora Green

Faculty Representatives
Pam Grumbach
Minnie Lee

Staff Representatives
Nancy Starmer
Odie LeFever