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March Letter to The Bush School Community from The Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees President Karim Lessard ’89
March 2026

Dear Members of the Bush Community,

At The Bush School, we speak often about learning by doing, about the power of engagement, responsibility, and thoughtful participation. That same spirit shapes the work of the Board of Trustees.

Governance at Bush is not a formality. It is mission-driven stewardship in service of students and in service of a school that values curiosity, courage, belonging, and the belief that experiential education prepares young people to lead purposeful lives. While the Board meets monthly to learn, deliberate, and occasionally vote, much of its most meaningful work takes place in committees, where Trustees and community members engage deeply with the strategic, financial, and long-term institutional priorities that shape the school’s present and future.

A strong school is built not only by those who work within its walls each day, but also by the broader community that cares deeply about its mission. For that reason, several Board committees welcome participation from parents, guardians, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Bush. Committee service is an opportunity to partner in thoughtful stewardship by bringing expertise, perspective, and lived experience into conversations that affect students today and for generations to come.

The Board’s standing committees oversee key aspects of the school’s long-term vitality:

  • The Community, Equity, and Inclusion Committee advances policies and programs that foster a community where every individual feels known, valued, and respected.
  • The Development Committee stewards the culture of philanthropy that sustains the school’s outstanding programming and access and opportunity for students.
  • The Finance and Investment Committees safeguard the school’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
  • The Governance Committee strengthens the effectiveness and leadership of the Board itself.
  • The Executive Committee coordinates the Board’s work in close partnership with the Head of School.

In addition, task forces provide focused attention on pivotal initiatives:

  • The Campus Design and Development Task Force guides the planning and creation of learning environments in Seattle and at the Methow Campus that reflect the school’s educational vision.
  • The Capital Task Force supports thoughtful and responsible planning for major projects.
  • The Methow Campus Task Force supports the continued development of the semester school program, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and values.
  • The Strategic Planning Task Force is currently completing its work to refine the school’s next chapter of vision and direction.

Committee service is meaningful work and shared responsibility. It offers community members the opportunity to contribute directly to conversations about access, sustainability, belonging, facilities, financial stewardship, and long-range planning. These are the structures that make experiential education possible.

In some cases, committee work also becomes a pathway to deeper Board service. Through service at the committee level, individuals demonstrate their commitment to collaboration, thoughtful inquiry, and the mission of the school.

If you are interested in serving on a Board committee that welcomes community participation, we warmly invite you to complete the application form linked below. The school is deeply grateful for the many ways this community shows up with generosity of spirit, professional expertise, and a shared belief in what a Bush education makes possible.

Together, this is stewardship in action.

With appreciation,
 
Karim Lessard ‘89
President, Board of Trustees
The Bush School

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The Bush School
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities

3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status
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