Letter from our President

Monday, August 31, 2020

Dear Fellow Facility Leaders,

When I accepted the role of Director of Facilities at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart back in the summer of 2016, I was new to the independent school arena. My involvement in the DMV Independent School Alliance that fall allowed me to ramp up the learning curve quickly and engage with my peers in a way that was extremely meaningful.

You all are coaches, teachers, friends, and I have learned a great deal from many of you. My involvement over the last four years has been a rewarding experience. Equally rewarding has been serving as president during the last two years.

Just some quick facts: thirty independent schools have been represented at our meetings. Fifteen schools have hosted meetings. Nearly everyone has responded to an email request on some pressing need from a contemporary. More than a dozen of us have refined our online vendor list. We’ve welcomed new FMS for lunch and dined with old FMs over dinner.

In light of the pandemic, we are delivering twice-monthly virtual meetings to keep us connected and share best practices. We’ve had up to twenty one participants on various calls, which is encouraging. Of course, your insights on how to further enhance this new format is welcome. It’s fluid. We’re all learning as we go.

Please do not hesitate to offer your observations, and comments so that the discussions remain relevant, timely and brief. Several of you have advised that an open forum is preferred. We honored your requests.

The direction of the DMV Independent school alliance is solid. The alliance president serves at the pleasure of its members, and this two year tenure has reached its end. It is absolutely my intention to stay engaged. There is always more to learn and more folks to meet.

Fortunately for us, Mike Joyce, director of facilities, at Holton-Arms will serve as president of the DMV Independent Alliance. Mike along with a core group of folks has helped guide the alliance since its inception. I have relied on Mike’s institutional knowledge for a host of varying obstacles, and he is a good friend. Congratulations, Mike!

Yours Sincerely,

Stone Ridge School, Director Facilities