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North Shore has been a part of my life since 1999 when my daughter, Anna ’13, began her “lifer” journey at the school. Our Early Childhood experience was charmed, with extraordinary teachers who engaged Anna’s imagination as well as her intellectual curiosity.

As I began to wind down a career in consulting and finance a few years later, I was approached by Tom Doar, then head of school, to consider a position in the school’s admissions office. I did, and have been a part of the North Shore administrative staff in multiple/varying positions ever since.

I have been fortunate over the years to develop treasured working relationships and friendships with dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to nurture intellectual and emotional growth in all of our students and with administrators whose commitment to thoughtful planning and management of all aspects of the school’s operation is unparalleled.

Years ago I decided that North Shore Country Day was an institution worth promoting and protecting. It is not perfect; what institution is? But I see unlimited potential through a collective commitment to consciously and continuously reevaluate what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.

North Shore holds a unique position as an independent school in one of the best public school districts in the country. One of our strengths is the diversity of the student/family population because we can draw from a wider geographic area than our public school competitors.

Another advantage as a private school is the operational flexibility to make changes in course offerings, programming and personnel when strategically necessary. Our challenge, and opportunity, lie in providing something unavailable and/ or more compelling to a discerning and demanding market. Continuing to provide the academic experience our families expect is likely to require the courage to identify and embrace change as the future unfolds.

It is my opinion that, among other things, North Shore’s future success depends on capitalizing on these advantages by finding and hiring the very best teachers.

I believe in the value of an independent school education. I believe in the people who dedicate themselves to developing young minds and hearts despite the universal undervaluing of their work in this country.

Our best teachers have obviously not chosen this career for the money, but I would love to see our best teachers recognized and compensated at levels resembling those in business. It is fun to imagine a world where the brightest, most talented students choose careers in education; a world where the most successful college grads are fighting for teaching positions as aggressively as they now do for finance and tech positions because they know that is the best path for securing their financial future.

It is my sincere hope that, some day, in some small way, my planned gift will contribute to promoting a program of salary enhancement for recognized teaching excellence. Nothing would make me prouder or happier.