Feeling Like Fall - In a Nutshell

False fall seems to be over … I think it is REALLY here. The temps have dropped, the leaves are dropping, and change is in the air - a true mic drop! 

I spent this past weekend in Georgetown, TX (just north of Austin) at an engagement party for Brady and Eliza. Fall (if there is one) has not arrived in central TX … it was 80 degrees and mother nature decided it was time to “water the lawn” ... to rain (during the outdoor party)! It hadn’t rained for days and days, and it isn’t supposed to rain for days and days, but rain came from 7:00-8:30 pm on Saturday night! The guests didn’t mind, the caterers continued to do what they do best, and Brady and Eliza shared “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”.

I lean into the perfectly imperfect moments in both life and work - making the most out of what lies ahead on any given day whether it be opportunities, challenges, pitfalls, or possibilities! I believe in setting goals … creating a blueprint for success … and being cognizant of all that is around these plans … but, I also embrace what comes my way - not always focusing on the “perfect” plan, but seeing the possibilities from all angles! I am an opportunist - always looking for open doors, seeking new trails to blaze, and watching for the gifts in others to be uncovered or found! 

This mindset works perfectly within our private, independent school structure! I can’t imagine working in a system or environment that doesn’t allow for nimbleness, creativity, and quick decision making (with the mission as a compass). Taylor and I have been meeting with all new families this year, and we talk about what makes Oakhill “independent”. 

First and foremost, Oakhill is privately governed by a Board of Trustees - vetted not elected. The Board oversees Oakhill’s financial sustainability for today, tomorrow, and most importantly for decades to come. They are ensuring Oakhill is in a good position for their children’s children.

Secondly, we are financially self-sustaining receiving no tax revenue - no state or federal funding. Oakhill operates through tuition, donations, associated revenue streams (rental, services, and tenant rental) and careful budgeting. With no current endowment or large cash reserve, we are efficient and “scrappy” with our financial planning and decisions.

Oakhill is fortunate to have full autonomy when it comes to curricular decisions and hiring. With our mission driving all decisions, our curriculum reflects who we are and what we do! Teachers lead the way in curriculum conversations, design, decision-making, and ensuring best practices year over year. Our faculty recognizes the freedom and responsibility that comes with working in an independent school; they appreciate and embrace this unique opportunity … they are able “to be the teachers they were taught to be - they dreamed of being!" 

Finally, with tuition dollars filling approximately 70% of our operating budget, we are grateful for the philanthropic support we receive from our families, Oakhill friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and broader community! Our families are investing in education with other like-minded parents; all with their own individual hopes and dreams. Fundraising through Mighty Oak (annual) Fund, events (golf and auction), Giving Week, Major Donor Campaigns, and Capital Projects allows progress, programs, and continued focus on recruitment and retention of Oakhill-minded employees. Fundraising ensures we keep an Oakhill education exceptional!

Although 10% of students in the US attend private schools (which includes parochial schools), slightly over 1% of the entire school age population attend independent schools! We are proud to be part of this 1% ... proud to be one of three non-parochial independent schools in Kansas City … proud to be the ONLY independent school north of the river! 

As we head into the final days of “giving month”, if you haven’t given already, we appreciate your consideration. Not only do the total dollars given matter to our bottom line, but the percentage of participation speaks to the commitment of our community. No gift is too small!

November will bring a focus on thankfulness; a time to be grateful! I reflect often on the strength of this community, the kindness of the Oakhill family, and the special culture, climate, and learning environment we have within these walls! I do not take this for granted! We may not be perfect all of the time, but we are imperfectly perfect … always being guided by our mission, reflective of how we do what we do, and learning from our mistakes and/or challenges each and every day! 

Opportunities are always on the horizon,

Suzanne