Every five years, we are evaluated by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). The RE leadership, faculty and staff engaged in a critical and comprehensive self-examination for a year and a half in preparation for the current assessment and campus visit. Billy Peebles, the Head of School of the Lovett School in Atlanta, led a five-person visiting team of passionate educators from a diverse range of independent-school backgrounds.
 
The executive summary they shared with us on Tuesday, Jan. 26, was genuine, enthusiastic and forward-thinking. In Billy Peeble’s words, we passed the SAIS-SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) standards with “flying colors.” We look forward to sharing with you the team members' final document, which will flesh out their commendations and recommendations, when we receive it in the coming weeks.
 
I am extremely grateful to our faculty, staff and leadership for their extraordinary commitment during this 18-month process of audits, surveys and committee work. Using the Appreciative Inquiry methodology, we jointly developed a series of "provocative propositions," visions of where we hoped the school would be 10 years down the line. Then we tackled the dream stage: how could we make those dreams reality?
 
Now, we emerge heartened about the future at Ransom Everglades. We will use what we learned from this process to strengthen the strategic plan that has been taking shape for more than a year. We intend to build on our century-long tradition through six important initiatives: Enhancing the curriculum; hiring, training and retaining an eminent faculty; improving facilities and spaces, particularly on the Ransom campus; more fully integrating technology; communicating better to the RE community and world outside; and developing the school as an institution.
 
I’m delighted that Ransom Everglades performed so well last week. And I’m positively thrilled about how we are positioned for the future.
 

Penny Townsend
Head of School