Board of Trustees Update | June 13, 2024

As the school year comes to an end, I also find myself reflecting on how fortunate we are to be a part of the Burke’s community. This was driven home in spades at the Pansy Day and Commencement ceremonies, as I listened to several speakers reflect on their Burke’s experiences. At Pansy Day, we heard from Burke’s alumna and Board of Trustees member Zoe Duskin ‘97, who regaled the Class of 2024 with stories about the bonds she formed when she was a Burke’s student and how those bonds are still going strong. The following day at Commencement, we heard from class-elected speaker Brazille M., who reminded us to enjoy the small moments – she listed many daily ones including seeing the Kindergarteners’ smiles and appreciating parents opening car doors and wishing students a nice day. She also reminded us that our community is what separates us and makes Burke’s so special. Last, but not least, we heard from this year’s class-selected faculty speaker, Upper School English teacher Juliana Neves. Ms. Neves offered excellent advice to the Class of 2024 largely drawn from her own life experiences and reflections, which concluded with the simple but powerful message: Be kind. Each speaker represents the Burke’s community beautifully and it’s an honor, Zoe, Brazille and Ms. Neves, to share this community with you.

Speaking of community, I want to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude and appreciation for Burke’s faculty and staff. At the beginning of Commencement, there is a procession of teachers and staff, followed by a procession of students. Being in the penultimate year of my own daughter’s Burke’s journey, I have come to know many of these folks and have great admiration and respect for each of them individually. But as I watched them marching in together, I will confess that I felt overwhelmed with emotion. (Yes, I cried. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one.) We are beyond blessed as parents that our daughters get to spend their school days in community with these incredible people. They’re all so talented, so devoted, and so deserving of the highest accolades.

I also want to express gratitude to Burke’s administrative team, led by our incredible Head of School, Michele Williams, for their exceptional leadership and guidance. Their dedication to the success of the school is evident in many ways, not the least of which is their thoughtful care and attention to Burke’s core values. In that vein, I’m happy to share that progress continues in many of the priority areas of our five-year Strategic Plan: Experience. Connection. Growth. The first faculty cohort completed some fantastic Education for Sustainability curricular units in multiple grades. Campus-wide we have continued to make strides in sustainability practices by expanding the successful rain barrel catchment system, moving to drought-tolerant, native plants, switching to LED fixtures, and implementing an expansive recycling program for textiles, mixed-use plastics, and household items. The Exploring Wellness Committee shared resources throughout the year that can be found in the MyBurke's Resources, and hosted two events including a fall book talk exploring how our children and families are experiencing achievement culture and how to navigate its effects. The spring Wellness Panel focused on learning about wellness and resilience in children and teens, and discussing how we can more intentionally foster our children's capacity to navigate life's challenges. In support of the goal to actively foster a diverse and equitable community of belonging, adults and students alike engaged in the Pollyanna conference "Creating a Culture of Belonging," where participants examined the importance of centering belonging in school culture and received guidance, training, and inspiration to become change agents in their own communities. The conference featured Jamil Zaki, author of The War for Kindness who later came to speak at Burke's for the 2024 Great Girls Deserve Great Schools Symposium. 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Trustees who concluded their board service this year: Scott Jordon, Vicky Pradhan, Melissa Ma and Laura Bolling, P.A. President. Each of these individuals contributed to the school in countless ways that helped Burke’s ability to fulfill its mission. On behalf of the entire Board, it has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside each of you, and we thank all of you for your dedication and service to Burke’s.

 

I’m thrilled to share with you the newly elected leadership of the Board of Trustees who will be joining me along with Board Vice-President Owen DeHoff on the Executive Committee in the coming year: Gabe Santos and June Sakamoto '88 will continue to serve as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, and they will be joined by at-large members Roberto d’Erizans, Jimmy Franzone and Jennifer Jarrett. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of wisdom, perspective, professional talent, and a desire to help Burke’s thrive today and into the future. I also want to thank Max Boyer Glynn '94, Roberto d’Erizans, Dawn Rosenberg, and Gabe Santos, who have renewed their board terms for another three years. We are also very grateful to Darby Gaynor Glickman '98, Alumnae Board President, who will continue, and Abiah Karthauser '90, Parents’ Association President, who will join, as ex-officio members of next year’s Board. 

On behalf of the Burke’s Board of Trustees, thank you all for being a part of this incredible community and for the role each of you play in Burke’s mission to educate, encourage and empower girls. We wish you and your families a wonderful and relaxing summer.