Dear ESD Families and Friends,

ESD is committed to providing an exemplary educational experience for its students while being sensitive to issues of affordability and sustainability. From a financial perspective, we had a very successful 2016-17, and the future is bright! We are all particularly excited about moving into our new Lower School in 2019.

The balance sheet continues to improve as prescribed by the Strategic Plan and the leadership of the Board of Directors. The capital campaign is already having a significant impact as the Endowment Trust grows and funds dedicated to the new Lower School accumulate. Groundbreaking is imminent, and we are anticipating new efficiencies to go along with the fantastic new educational opportunities we will have in this uniquely beautiful and functional facility.

We are blessed with great leadership at ESD, including the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors which provides a thorough review of the operating results of the school. Its mission statement is to:

• Manage ESD cash flow on a break-even or better basis;
• Achieve significant improvement in ESD’s balance sheet over the medium term;
• Increase transparency and provide board members and school management the proper tools to make sound financial decisions; and
• Develop state-of-the-art financial processes and reporting systems as well as a comprehensive set of financial controls.

These principles guide the committee in carrying out its oversight role and in setting priorities for the school. 

We are very fortunate to have such a fine group of dedicated individuals who understand and support the mission of our wonderful school. Once again, ESD has achieved the important designation of accreditation by Praesidium for being a safe and wholesome environment for children. Everyone has a role to play in keeping the school free from threats to safety, and we take this responsibility seriously. Jody Trumble’s Campus Safety team is innovative and quite evident in leading these efforts. Our IT and Facilities teams also play important roles in providing a safe and fully functional campus. We continue to make investments in infrastructure and technology as our programs innovate and adapt to new opportunities.

Upon our solid foundation of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, ESD will continue to achieve its mission: to prepare young men and women for lives of intellectual discovery, integrity, and purpose.

Sincerely,
 
Robert A. Buchholz
Chief Financial Officer

STAFF