The Board of Trustees recently made the decision to close the school at the end of June 2010. The past several years of declining enrollment and the current economic climate forced the school to sell the land on which it stands in the spring of 2009. In the months that followed, Board members, faculty and staff worked diligently to secure a new location and explore the possibility of Oak Lane continuing elsewhere. When it became clear that this was not financially feasible, the Board determined that it was in the best interest of the school to cease operations.
Founded in 1916 in Cheltenham Township, Oak Lane Country Day School, as it was then known, was rooted in progressive education and became one of six schools in the country used by the U.S. State Department as a model school for visiting dignitaries. Until 1960, Oak Lane was connected with Temple University as a lab and demonstration school. After that connection ended, the school ultimately moved to its current location in Whitpain Township.
The hallmark of an Oak Lane education has always been a focus on the preservation of childhood and an emphasis on “learning how to learn.” Graduates of Oak Lane leave the school as strong independent learners who have gone on to excel in the fields of arts and entertainment, sciences, entrepreneurship, literature and writing, athletics, social concerns and other endeavors.
While it has been frequently said that Oak Lane’s existence at the corner of Butler and Stenton Avenues in Blue Bell was a “well-kept secret,” the many families who experienced an Oak Lane education made no secret of their love for the school. The graduation speeches of outgoing students resonate with appreciation for the beautiful campus, the arts program and the many opportunities for performance across all the grades. Sixth graders talk passionately about the benefits of being “sons and daughters” of Oak Lane, of being known and appreciated by all faculty members. Also referenced are beloved traditions like the Woodland Walk, catching frogs, sledding on the meadow, tractor rides, the all-school theme of Winterlude, drama club, community service with “buddy” classes and learning to play recorder. A rich and recurring motif in the speeches is the students’ sense of themselves as valued members of a diverse community, who leave the school knowing that their voices have been heard.
In one sense, every current student at the school will graduate in June 2010. Between now and then, the children will continue to mine the deep vein of an Oak Lane education and experience the community’s respect for childhood. The mood will be celebratory and the broader Oak Lane community, past and present, will be invited to join in the gatherings planned for this year.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Committee Reports as of September
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
The program committee, headed by Sixth Grade Teacher and Camp Director Martha Platt, has been formulating an academic program for the 2010-2011 school year that will retain all the programmatic richness that we have come to expect from Oak Lane, with an increased emphasis on the Arts and inquiry-based learning. The faculty members and parents on the Committee have met throughout the summer to make sure that the new Oak Lane will have a top-notch academic program.
LOCATION COMMITTEE
The Location Committee, headed by Trustee and parent Tony Romano, is making progress securing a location for the 2010-11 school year. The Location Committee has met frequently, hosted a number of property tours and group discussions about a possible new location in the schoolhouse at St. Thomas' in Flourtown/Ft. Washington. While the location has many positive attributes including large expanses of open space, the capacity of the building and the necessary renovations are limiting.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Development Committee, headed by Director of Admission and parent Carina Urbach, has analyzed Oak Lane's donor base and is completing plans for a fundraising campaign that will involve donors in every aspect of the transition process. The committee is also identifying ways families can contribute "elbow grease" to help with packing and moving, painting the new facility, or sharing expertise in marketing, for example.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee, headed by Trustee and parent Dave Urbach, has been finalizing the budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The Finance Committee is also compiling data to create preliminary budget projections for the 2010-2011 school year and beyond. Inherent in their discussions are questions of renovation and moving costs, tuition price point, projected enrollment, staffing needs, and costs for professional development and curriculum updates. Offering a rich educational program necessitates certain costs and to date we have not been able to identify a sustainable business model. Adequate finances continues to be our greatest challenge.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Program Update
The program committee met on Tuesday June 9, 2009. The meeting was led by Martha Platt, Committee Chair, along with Judy Leigh and Sharon Fichthorn. In attendance were Marlis Kraft-Zemel, Nancy Opalka, Fairlight Beasley, Carina Urbach, Nancy Ryan, Stacey Jacobson, Audra Romano, Fran Johnston, Sarah Rosenbaum, and Carina Urbach.
The goal of the first meeting was to familiarize all participants with the current program at Oak Lane. To that end, Martha, Judy and Sharon presented an overview of the Program as it currently exists, broken into three strands: (1) elements of the Academic Program; (2) the Oak Lane year; and (3) the approach. Each strand was discussed, especially the Academic Program and its approach.
The goal of the second meeting will be to present the relevant challenges facing the school as we move forward, and to begin the work of shaping the program that will provide continuity while at the same time attempting to address those challenges. All members of the committee and others interested in contributing to this exciting project are welcome.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the 6th grade classroom/Summer Camp office. Please RSVP to Martha Platt by Tuesday, July 7 at mplatt@oaklanedayschool.org.
The goal of the first meeting was to familiarize all participants with the current program at Oak Lane. To that end, Martha, Judy and Sharon presented an overview of the Program as it currently exists, broken into three strands: (1) elements of the Academic Program; (2) the Oak Lane year; and (3) the approach. Each strand was discussed, especially the Academic Program and its approach.
The goal of the second meeting will be to present the relevant challenges facing the school as we move forward, and to begin the work of shaping the program that will provide continuity while at the same time attempting to address those challenges. All members of the committee and others interested in contributing to this exciting project are welcome.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the 6th grade classroom/Summer Camp office. Please RSVP to Martha Platt by Tuesday, July 7 at mplatt@oaklanedayschool.org.
Fundraising News
The Development Committee met on Thursday, June 25th at 5 p.m. The meeting was led by Carina Urbach, Committee Chair, and Director of Development, Janet Easlea. In attendance were Kent Julye, Faith Paulsen, Kathy Gallagher, Sharon Fichthorn, and Martha Platt.
The goal of the first meeting was to review the successes and challenges of past fundraising efforts and review some statistics regarding participation rates and fundraising totals by constituency (i.e., board members, current parents, alumni, alumni families, etc.). To date, the most successful fundraising effort was the Tribute Campaign which raised $800,000 for the building of the Leah Cutler Gymnasium and renovations to the Perch Hankin Classroom Building. This campaign marked the high point of participation and resulting revenue. Since that time, there has been a slow decline in both participation and total revenue raised. Over the past 5 years, the top 10 donors have been made up by 55% current families, 16% alumni, 13% board members who are not current parents, 7% alumni families, 5% friends and former board members, and 3% faculty.
The Committee discussed some preliminary ideas on how to strengthen communication with alumni and their families, the need to involve our consistent donors in the process of moving the school forward, and looking for volunteers to lead some outreach efforts. In the coming months, the Development Committee will be developing a fundraising campaign that will include targeted financial goals, a case statement describing how the money raised will be used, and marketing materials. In addition, the Committee will be planning several events that will allow donors to see the new location and demonstrate how the funds being raised will benefit Oak Lane Day School and its students.
Anyone interested in joining the conversation or joining the committee is invited to attend the next Development Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. in the 6th grade classroom/Summer Camp office. Please RSVP to Carina Urbach at curbach@oaklanedayschool.org.
The goal of the first meeting was to review the successes and challenges of past fundraising efforts and review some statistics regarding participation rates and fundraising totals by constituency (i.e., board members, current parents, alumni, alumni families, etc.). To date, the most successful fundraising effort was the Tribute Campaign which raised $800,000 for the building of the Leah Cutler Gymnasium and renovations to the Perch Hankin Classroom Building. This campaign marked the high point of participation and resulting revenue. Since that time, there has been a slow decline in both participation and total revenue raised. Over the past 5 years, the top 10 donors have been made up by 55% current families, 16% alumni, 13% board members who are not current parents, 7% alumni families, 5% friends and former board members, and 3% faculty.
The Committee discussed some preliminary ideas on how to strengthen communication with alumni and their families, the need to involve our consistent donors in the process of moving the school forward, and looking for volunteers to lead some outreach efforts. In the coming months, the Development Committee will be developing a fundraising campaign that will include targeted financial goals, a case statement describing how the money raised will be used, and marketing materials. In addition, the Committee will be planning several events that will allow donors to see the new location and demonstrate how the funds being raised will benefit Oak Lane Day School and its students.
Anyone interested in joining the conversation or joining the committee is invited to attend the next Development Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. in the 6th grade classroom/Summer Camp office. Please RSVP to Carina Urbach at curbach@oaklanedayschool.org.
Update to Location
After investigating and visiting several possible locations, the Location Committee has concluded that the most viable location is the campus of St. Thomas' Church in Ft. Washington at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike, Route 73 and Camp Hill Road. A full summary of this process will be included in the complete Location Committee report.
Groups of faculty, board members and parents have made several visits to the St. Thomas site and have begun to identify renovation needs and program implications. Once a final determination of the suitability of the site is concluded, the Committee intends to enter into negotiations immediately. A full report from the Location Committee will be available soon.
Groups of faculty, board members and parents have made several visits to the St. Thomas site and have begun to identify renovation needs and program implications. Once a final determination of the suitability of the site is concluded, the Committee intends to enter into negotiations immediately. A full report from the Location Committee will be available soon.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Location Meeting Summary from May 19th
On this past Tuesday morning, Location Committee members Karl Welsh, Tony Romano and Yukio Tesuka joined Pat Brady, of Binswanger, to visit four sites. The sites visited included the Limekiln Simmons Elementary School on Limekiln Pike in Horsham, an office building with adjacent empty lot on New Street in Glenside, a Catholic School on East Willow Grove Avenue in Wyndmoor, and an old vacated public school building on Madison Avenue in Ft. Washington. Of the properties we saw, it is easiest to envision Oak Lane transitioning to the Simmons Elementary School site because of the obvious fit for functionality and plentiful outdoor space. The other properties presented more limitations and did not satisfy as well some of the basic criteria we had for our site evaluation.
As we toured the four sites and evaluated their viability, we considered several important criteria that included: (1) square footage, (2) outside space for play/exploration, (3) multi-purpose space, (4) location, (5) availability, and (6) summer camp possibilities. Another very important criteria being considered is affordability. This last criteria makes Oak Lane's situation not a good fit for a traditional real estate search for several reasons: First, the school will have very little cash reserves going forward to use toward the purchase or lease of a new location; second, the school does not have an operating surplus to draw from to use toward these expenses; and third, the school does not want to incur any debt. This means the school will need to identify a location where the owner is willing to accept a tenant that will pay a modest lease, cover utilities, and maintain the building space. The properties that will likely be most viable, will be ones that are not openly on the market and instead will likely come to our attention by knocking at doors, discovering through members in our community, and/or from contacting a wide variety of institutions to see if they have vacant or underutilized space. Three of the four properties we saw on Tuesday fit this category.
The encouraging news is that we are finding that these properties do exist. Also, it is unlikely that owners of these type of institutional properties will easily find tenants for such spaces, so despite our financial limitations, we may still be an attractive tenant for the right organization. At the Oak Lane in Transition meeting Tuesday night, a summary of the visits was provided as well as a slide presentation that included photographs of each site. An outcome of the discussion at the meeting included direction to have Binswanger begin an informal conversation with the Hatboro-Horsham School District to express our needs and to "test the waters" to see if there is potential in this site. Additionally, it was agreed to have John Binswanger contact Temple University to ask if there is space that will become available on the Temple Ambler property. Additional leads from people attending the meeting Tuesday included Chestnut Hill College, St. Anthony's in Ambler, Upper Dublin Lutheran, Zion Lutheran and the New Covenant Church as well as a couple locations near Papermill Road. Pat Brady, of Binswanger, has been asked to contact each of these locations to inquire about availability. The Location Committee will continue a search and exhaust all leads before making any decisions regarding which direction to take. As tours to visit sites are arranged, Committee members will be notified and encouraged to come.
One site, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Flourtown, that could not be visited on Tuesday because of logistics was seen Wednesday morning. The Schoolhouse on their property will likely become available soon. While the building space was tight, there appears to be sufficient space to meet the needs of the school temporarily in its present enrollment size. The location is good and there may be some potential for summer camp opportunities too. A limitation to this location is access to outdoor space for play and exploration. While it is a very large property the available outdoor play space for play is a considerable distance from the school building and may not be practical for the ages we serve and the priority we place on outdoor programming. Information regarding what St. Thomas Church might charge for the space is being gathered by a committee member, but early indications are that it would be modest.
As the Location Committee continues its work, updates regarding this property and others being considered will be provided on a regular and on-going basis.
-- Karl Welsh, Head of School --
As we toured the four sites and evaluated their viability, we considered several important criteria that included: (1) square footage, (2) outside space for play/exploration, (3) multi-purpose space, (4) location, (5) availability, and (6) summer camp possibilities. Another very important criteria being considered is affordability. This last criteria makes Oak Lane's situation not a good fit for a traditional real estate search for several reasons: First, the school will have very little cash reserves going forward to use toward the purchase or lease of a new location; second, the school does not have an operating surplus to draw from to use toward these expenses; and third, the school does not want to incur any debt. This means the school will need to identify a location where the owner is willing to accept a tenant that will pay a modest lease, cover utilities, and maintain the building space. The properties that will likely be most viable, will be ones that are not openly on the market and instead will likely come to our attention by knocking at doors, discovering through members in our community, and/or from contacting a wide variety of institutions to see if they have vacant or underutilized space. Three of the four properties we saw on Tuesday fit this category.
The encouraging news is that we are finding that these properties do exist. Also, it is unlikely that owners of these type of institutional properties will easily find tenants for such spaces, so despite our financial limitations, we may still be an attractive tenant for the right organization. At the Oak Lane in Transition meeting Tuesday night, a summary of the visits was provided as well as a slide presentation that included photographs of each site. An outcome of the discussion at the meeting included direction to have Binswanger begin an informal conversation with the Hatboro-Horsham School District to express our needs and to "test the waters" to see if there is potential in this site. Additionally, it was agreed to have John Binswanger contact Temple University to ask if there is space that will become available on the Temple Ambler property. Additional leads from people attending the meeting Tuesday included Chestnut Hill College, St. Anthony's in Ambler, Upper Dublin Lutheran, Zion Lutheran and the New Covenant Church as well as a couple locations near Papermill Road. Pat Brady, of Binswanger, has been asked to contact each of these locations to inquire about availability. The Location Committee will continue a search and exhaust all leads before making any decisions regarding which direction to take. As tours to visit sites are arranged, Committee members will be notified and encouraged to come.
One site, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Flourtown, that could not be visited on Tuesday because of logistics was seen Wednesday morning. The Schoolhouse on their property will likely become available soon. While the building space was tight, there appears to be sufficient space to meet the needs of the school temporarily in its present enrollment size. The location is good and there may be some potential for summer camp opportunities too. A limitation to this location is access to outdoor space for play and exploration. While it is a very large property the available outdoor play space for play is a considerable distance from the school building and may not be practical for the ages we serve and the priority we place on outdoor programming. Information regarding what St. Thomas Church might charge for the space is being gathered by a committee member, but early indications are that it would be modest.
As the Location Committee continues its work, updates regarding this property and others being considered will be provided on a regular and on-going basis.
-- Karl Welsh, Head of School --
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Summary of Meeting held on Tuesday, May 5
During times of transition and change, questions arise and open discussion is critical. With this in mind, several meetings were held over the past week.
The faculty and staff met once to discuss the transition process, ask questions and share their thoughts. From that meeting it was determined that there was a need to select by consensus a core group of faculty leaders to help guide the transition process. The faculty agreed quickly that there should be representation from each division as well as "the specials" and that those representatives would be: Judy Leigh, from the pre-primary division; Sharon Fichthorn, from the primary division; Martha Platt, from the intermediate division; and Trina Gable, from "the specials."
Over 20 parents met on Tuesday, May 5th for a meeting similar to that of the faculty. The parents held a round-table discussion to explore the process of Oak Lane's transition, ask questions, share their thoughts, and build consensus as to what next steps are needed to secure a bright future for Oak Lane Day School.
The message in both the parent and faculty meetings was one of the need for significant change in the school leadership and for more transparency, particularly with regards to the work of the Board. Both groups expressed a desire for open board meetings and a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities for board members, as well as the selection criteria used in the nominating process. Everyone agreed that thought should be put to what areas of expertise are needed to run a healthy organization and potential trustees with such expertise should be identified to lead the organization during this time of transition. Finally, the need for change balanced with continuity was expressed.
It was agreed that a time-line for the transition process needs to be established with key tasks and decisions clearly marked and defined. There was consensus that the transition process should be such that ideas are being brought forward, feedback is received, and consensus is built. There were several parents who would also like to see things moving swiftly yet thoughtfully.
The meetings were positive in tone and the commitment and strategic thinking of the faculty and parents clear. The next meeting will be held on May 19 at 7 p.m. in the school library. The anticipated agenda is to hear an update from the Location Committee and plan next steps.
The faculty and staff met once to discuss the transition process, ask questions and share their thoughts. From that meeting it was determined that there was a need to select by consensus a core group of faculty leaders to help guide the transition process. The faculty agreed quickly that there should be representation from each division as well as "the specials" and that those representatives would be: Judy Leigh, from the pre-primary division; Sharon Fichthorn, from the primary division; Martha Platt, from the intermediate division; and Trina Gable, from "the specials."
Over 20 parents met on Tuesday, May 5th for a meeting similar to that of the faculty. The parents held a round-table discussion to explore the process of Oak Lane's transition, ask questions, share their thoughts, and build consensus as to what next steps are needed to secure a bright future for Oak Lane Day School.
The message in both the parent and faculty meetings was one of the need for significant change in the school leadership and for more transparency, particularly with regards to the work of the Board. Both groups expressed a desire for open board meetings and a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities for board members, as well as the selection criteria used in the nominating process. Everyone agreed that thought should be put to what areas of expertise are needed to run a healthy organization and potential trustees with such expertise should be identified to lead the organization during this time of transition. Finally, the need for change balanced with continuity was expressed.
It was agreed that a time-line for the transition process needs to be established with key tasks and decisions clearly marked and defined. There was consensus that the transition process should be such that ideas are being brought forward, feedback is received, and consensus is built. There were several parents who would also like to see things moving swiftly yet thoughtfully.
The meetings were positive in tone and the commitment and strategic thinking of the faculty and parents clear. The next meeting will be held on May 19 at 7 p.m. in the school library. The anticipated agenda is to hear an update from the Location Committee and plan next steps.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
More on Location!
The recent Location Committee meeting began with a presentation from Binswanger Corporation, a firm that plans and implements real estate transactions. John Binswanger, the Chairman, participated in the presentation which gave the Committee confidence that our small school's needs would be met by this large company should we employ their services to locate a new site for the school. The presentation included a short list of property possibilities, of which Binswanger was confident would be expanded, as there is a growing inventory of spaces for lease in the area.
Following the presentation, the Location Committee met on its own. A summary of zip code distribution of our student body over five years as well as zip code distribution of summer camp families was shared as background information to assist in conversations as we proceed. Our attention was primarily focused on the information that has begun to be gathered from public school districts and religious organizations regarding the availability of underutilized and vacant real estate. It was agreed that the balance of this week would be devoted to reaching as many of these institutions to determine, if by next Monday, we felt Oak Lane should pursue a property lease or acquisition alone or with the assistance of a professional.
While we have established some very basic criteria for this search, we are being careful not to presume anything, until having had more conversations with the other committees involved in planning for 2010-11. Our goal is to uncover three to five good opportunities that appear viable and to bring a recommendation forward to everyone.
Following the presentation, the Location Committee met on its own. A summary of zip code distribution of our student body over five years as well as zip code distribution of summer camp families was shared as background information to assist in conversations as we proceed. Our attention was primarily focused on the information that has begun to be gathered from public school districts and religious organizations regarding the availability of underutilized and vacant real estate. It was agreed that the balance of this week would be devoted to reaching as many of these institutions to determine, if by next Monday, we felt Oak Lane should pursue a property lease or acquisition alone or with the assistance of a professional.
While we have established some very basic criteria for this search, we are being careful not to presume anything, until having had more conversations with the other committees involved in planning for 2010-11. Our goal is to uncover three to five good opportunities that appear viable and to bring a recommendation forward to everyone.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Program
During the first meeting together, the following components of the program were listed as essential:
- Enrolling enough children, but not too many
- Knowing that all kinds of children benefit from a small setting
- The Arts
- Emphasis on learning to think
- Take any child and help him/her become the best he/she can be
- Reading/Writing Workshop
- Fostering and valuing childhood
- Progressive philosophy
- Outdoor and natural play areas
- Stronger communication from the administration and Board of Trustees
- More transparency
- What are the "stopping points"? 5th, 6th, 8th?
- Consider promoting success with students who present differently
- Broad exposure
- Thematic learning (Winterlude)
- Vertical classes a plus (?)
- The faculty
- Nuturing atmosphere
- School culture
- Neighborhood connections
- Community Service
- Become a "green" school
- Develop a culture of philanthropy
Location, Location, Location
Small groups identified the following questions as necessary to be explored, data collected and analyzed at the first meeting on Oak Lane's transition:
- How far do people drive to get to school?
- Where are we successfully recruiting from now?
- Where do current students live?What school's in the area pose competition?
- What are the conditions of the public school's in the area and implications does this have for enrollment possibilities?
Other ideas that were discussed:
- Find the best location given time constraints
- Will need to lease a site, not buy
- Find a location where there is already a private school mentality
- Close to the city - or not?
- Location should have a large space for performances and gym
- Location should have some outdoor play space
- Parking is important
- Safety
- Access to natural areas, though not necessary to be on school property
- Consider what "neighbors" might be able to offer (for example, community centers, parks, YMCA, etc.)
- Merge with an existing school
- Glenside/Springfield Township/Cheltenham may offer the possibility of attracting public school students looking for a better option and are more easily reached by suburbs further out via Rt. 309. These areas are also convenient for Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill families.
- Simmons Elementary School in Hatboro-Horsham School District will be vacant
- Property in Spring House with possibilities
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