To:  The Principia Community

From:  The Board of Trustees

Subject:  April 2010 Board Report

Date:  April 20, 2010

The Board of Trustees met on the School campus last week for our regular April meeting, which also serves as the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, the Board, in addition to receiving reports on the institution, elects the members and officers of the Board as well as approves the final budget for the upcoming year.

We are ever mindful that it is always Principle not person that guides our actions and forms the basis of our discussions and decisions. The demonstrated effect of consistency with this ideal leads to a richness not only in our interactions with each other but with every member of the community with whom we meet during our time on campus.  

In a brief statement titled “Guidance by Principle, Not Person,” speaking about Principia’s purpose to serve the Cause of Christian Science, Mary Kimball Morgan admonishes us all that this high purpose can only be fulfilled as we remain “united in single-hearted, scientific and Christian fellowship.” She concludes with a reminder to “keep in thought ‘the honorable right side’ and demonstrate the wisdom to discern that right side” (Education at The Principia, p. 130).  

It is clear from the professionalism, excellence in practice, and spiritual thoughtfulness we witnessed during interactions with faculty, staff, and students that Principia is fulfilling its purpose. Taking a page from Nehemiah, we are privileged to stand with you atop the wall, working together to demonstrate a more perfect concept of the Christ-idea in education. And though we may be aware of our foes – be they demographic, financial, etc. – our readiness for the work, undergirded by Principle will not only sustain us but ensure our success.

With Principle firmly in thought, the Board conducted the following business:

• Board Committees, including the Executive, Education, Finance, Advancement and Audit Committees, met on Wednesday and Thursday;
  
• We reviewed and adopted the Operating and Capital Budgets for the 2010-11 fiscal year;
  
• Head of School Marilyn Wallace and Chief Executive and College President Jonathan Palmer presented their respective reports;
  
• The Audit Committee updated the Board on existing and new reporting and compliance requirements with which Principia must comply;
  
• We reviewed progress on the actions identified in the Strategic Plan with Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer;
  
• We continued our ongoing study of Principia’s Policies – facilitated by Peter Stevens and including a fourth installment on the historical underpinnings of the Policies;
  
• The Executive Committee led the Board in the presentation of the annual performance review of Chief Executive and College President Jonathan Palmer; this year the review incorporated the results of the survey of College faculty, staff, and students as well as in-depth interviews with faculty and staff on both campuses, an assessment by each Board member, and a self-assessment;
  
• David Anable was elected to join the Board, beginning at the November meeting; David served Principia well for nearly two years as interim Chief Executive and brings a rich background to the Board, including serving as managing editor of The Christian Science Monitor and chair of the School of Journalism at Boston University;
  
• The Board elected the following slate of officers for the coming year: Steve Sydness, chair, Helen Elswit, vice chair, Cathy Raffles, secretary, Bob Schwentker, treasurer, and Scott Shivers, at-large member of the Executive Committee;
  
• Finally, the Board took time to express its gratitude for the selfless and dedicated service of its outgoing chair, Bill Hays; Bill served as Board Chair for over three years and provided essential and invaluable leadership; consistent with Board Policies, Bill will serve one more year on the Board.
  

When not in meetings, the Board enjoyed opportunities to spend time with students, faculty, and staff. We had a delightful, informative, and inspiring lunch with Upper School students. Among other topics, we heard their views on how a Principia education is preparing them to serve the Cause of Christian Science. Our meals with School staff and School faculty provided a much-appreciated opportunity to share with these dedicated members of the Principia community.

As is always the case, the Board left its three days of meetings with hearts overflowing with gratitude for all the good going on at Principia. From the firsthand accounts of graduating Upper Schoolers, to the dedicated, selfless work of faculty and staff, to the exciting opportunities that await Principia, there is much for which we are grateful. As another academic year moves rapidly to conclusion, we rejoice with each of you in recognition of the many individual and collective accomplishments and successes.