A Letter to The Bush School Community From the Board of Trustees

 

The Bush School Board of Trustees is entrusted with stewarding the school’s mission, vision, and long-term sustainability. Trustees serve as both guardians and strategic partners, managing resources responsibly, ensuring alignment with our values, and supporting the Head of School in advancing strategic priorities.

This year, the Board is especially focused on strengthening communication and connection with the entire Bush community. We are introducing new ways to share the Board’s role and responsibilities so that families, faculty, and students have a deeper understanding of our work. In this vein, I am writing to share an update on the Board’s initiatives and the priorities that will guide us during this school year.

The 2025-26 Board is composed of 22 dedicated volunteers representing the breadth of the Bush community, including current and past parents, alumni, and members of the broader Seattle educational community. Much of our work takes place through committees that address the school’s most significant strategic, fiduciary, and community-building efforts. These committees include not only Trustees but also members of the wider Bush community who bring specialized expertise. This collaborative model ensures that the Board’s work is both informed and inclusive, and is grounded in the diverse perspectives that make Bush strong. More information about the Board and how to join a committee is available on the school’s website.

In July 2025, Sarah Smith began her tenure as The Bush School’s tenth Head of School. As a long-time member of our community and an established leader within Bush, Sarah brings a deep understanding of our mission, values, and culture. Her proven commitment to progressive education, community connection, and inclusive leadership made her an exceptional choice to guide Bush into its next chapter.

Although Sarah’s transition represents a change in role rather than an arrival, the Board has worked closely with her through a thoughtful onboarding and leadership transition process. This has included aligning on strategic priorities, ensuring continuity with the Senior Leadership Team, and deepening relationships across the community. Her steady, collaborative leadership has already brought renewed energy and clarity to our shared work.

With Sarah’s leadership, we are also moving toward completion of our new strategic plan, which will guide the school’s priorities and initiatives over the next four to five years. Working in partnership with a consultant from Leadership + Design, the Board aims to complete this process by May 2026. Thank you to the many community members who participated in the listening circles earlier this year; your insights were invaluable in identifying the school’s strengths and opportunities for growth. The next step will be the formation of subcommittees to further explore and refine key inquiry areas developed in response to the extensive community input.

We are also approaching the next phase of the Center Campus construction project, which is scheduled to break ground in December 2025. This transformative initiative will create dynamic learning environments that embody Bush’s educational philosophy, including spaces that are flexible, student-centered, and sustainable, while preserving the natural beauty of our campus.

When students return in January, they will find a reimagined campus. The Commons food services will temporarily relocate to the MLK Community Center, and some Middle School classes will take place in classrooms within the Lower and Upper Schools. The Board continues to monitor construction preparations closely to ensure these transitions are smooth and minimally disruptive. Above all, the safety and well-being of our community remain the school’s highest priority throughout every stage of this project.

To support this important work, the Board and Development team are in the early stages of a capital campaign. We are deeply grateful for the generosity already demonstrated by members of our community. Together, we are ensuring that Bush’s facilities reflect the excellence of our academic program and the promise of our mission. There will be opportunities for the entire community to participate in and support this effort in the future, and we are hopeful that many others will consider a leadership level gift.

The Board continues to serve as a careful steward of the school’s financial resources, ensuring that Bush remains strong and sustainable for generations to come. Through thoughtful oversight of the budget, tuition, and long-term investments, we balance the school’s commitment to excellence with fiscal responsibility. Our goal is to allocate resources strategically in support of the mission and strategic priorities, investing in outstanding faculty, enriching programs, and a vibrant learning environment, while maintaining affordability and financial stability.

I hope this letter provides you with a clear sense of the Board’s work and priorities. The Bush School has always thrived on partnership - between the Board, the Head of School, faculty, parents, and students, and it is through that shared effort that we will continue to flourish.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children and for being part of this extraordinary community.

With appreciation,

Karim Lessard ’89
President, Board of Trustees
The Bush School