October Letter from Board of Trustees President

Dear Members of the Bush Community,

 

It is an honor to serve as President of The Bush School Board of Trustees. At Convocation, I spoke about the idea that meaningful change can come from focusing our energy on things we can influence, and using our individual agency for the benefit of something greater than ourselves. That same spirit guides the work of the Bush Board of Trustees, and I am pleased to be able to share periodic updates about our priorities.

 

As Trustees, we have the privilege and responsibility of stewarding Bush’s mission, supporting the school’s long-term financial health, and helping to strengthen the environment in which our students and community can thrive. This year feels particularly significant as Bush moves from a period of thoughtful planning into one of action and implementation.

 

In partnership with Head of School Sarah Smith and her leadership team, the Board is focused this year on four primary areas: the Center Campus project, implementation of the new Strategic Plan, completion of our self-study and accreditation renewal process, and continued rigor in our Board culture and operations.

 

Construction on the Center Campus, Commons, and Middle School project is well underway and remains on schedule and on budget. This project represents a significant investment in Bush’s future and will create spaces to support the learning, connection, and community that are central to the Bush experience.

 

The Board will continue to provide oversight of this important project while also supporting the fundraising efforts that make investments like these possible. Philanthropy has long played an important role in strengthening the Bush experience, and the Board recognizes its responsibility to lead by example and help others understand the impact and benefits of their giving.

 

With the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan now in place, the Board’s attention turns from developing the plan to supporting its implementation. We are excited about the roadmap that the plan establishes for Bush and the opportunities ahead as Sarah and her team begin bringing its priorities to life. For this academic year, that includes a focus on learning support programming, experiential education alignment, community engagement and civic action across the K-12 continuum, and improved clarity around the profile of a Bush graduate.

 

For the Board, this means keeping the Strategic Plan at the center of our governance work. Board committees are aligning their annual goals to support newly identified strategic priorities, while remaining mindful of the important distinction between oversight and operations. As the work progresses, the Board will continue to partner with Sarah and her team, monitor progress, provide guidance, and help ensure that Bush remains focused on the long-term direction we have established together.

 

Bush is also entering an important next phase in our periodic accreditation renewal by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). Every eight years, schools accredited by NWAIS undergo a comprehensive process that includes a schoolwide self-study and an evaluation by a team of educators from other independent schools. This process helps ensure that schools meet established standards of educational quality and organizational effectiveness while identifying opportunities for continued growth and improvement.

 

Much of the school’s self-study was completed last year, and the Board will complete its portion of the work by reflecting on its own practices and responsibilities. The Bush School looks forward to welcoming the visiting team (February 28- March 3), whose members will engage with our community and experience Bush firsthand to ensure that our daily practices reflect what we have shared in our self-study. To learn more about the accreditation process, be sure to read the article below in this week’s Blazer Bulletin.

 

Finally, we continue to invest in the effectiveness of the Board itself. This year, trustees are focused on engagement, knowledge-building, committee work that supports informed decision-making, and meaningful participation in the life of the school. We have also evolved our committee structure to better support Bush’s future needs, including increased attention to technology, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. Ultimately, the Board’s responsibility is to maintain the long view - safeguard Bush’s mission, exercise oversight by asking thoughtful questions, steward resources responsibly, and support Sarah and her team as they lead the school forward.

 

There is much to look forward to at Bush this year. I am grateful to my fellow trustees for the time, expertise, and care they bring to that shared responsibility, and to our faculty and staff, families, students, alumni, and friends for the many ways you contribute to the life and future of Bush.

 

With appreciation,

 

Quentin Streets
President, Board of Trustees