Dear Sacred Heart Family,

Since last January, we have been working with Independent School Management (ISM) to capitalize on our strengths, identify areas of opportunity, and set the roadmap for the future of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School.

On many occasions throughout the last year, we have asked for your help, and you answered. You completed detailed surveys, participated in focus groups and meetings, and gave us your feedback. We considered every aspect of the student and parent experience. Your honest, thoughtful responses are informing the strategic planning and financial planning work of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill's Board of Trustees.

Here is what you can expect from the Board and school leadership as we take action to ensure the long-term fiscal and strategic success of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School and our Sacred Heart mission:

We will undertake initiatives to reinforce Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School's position of strength in the market to grow enrollment:

Align with best practices for boards in independent schools, including an ongoing commitment to strategic planning;
Set a course for long-term sustainability and operational excellence through endowment growth and financial health;
Enhance Advancement functions (Development, Enrollment Management, and Marketing and Communications) and undergo a comprehensive branding initiative and redesign of public-facing website.

We will attract and retain world-class educators and administrators:

Increase professional development opportunities, mentoring, and coaching for our faculty;
Identify, hire, and retain top-quality faculty for positions that enhance the student experience, meet the needs of all types of learners, and support growth and academic excellence.

We will foster innovative and inspiring spiritual, academic, and social-emotional programs consistent with the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria:

Increase STEAM opportunities for students;
Implement review of curriculum scope and sequence alignment to ensure the strength of our academic programs at every level.

We will maintain and enhance facilities that support the School's program and mission:

Conduct comprehensive facilities planning to ensure our campus spaces are student-centered and fulfill our commitment to building community and creating opportunities for our students.

As we advance toward our 93rd year of providing a Catholic, Independent, Sacred Heart education, we are finalizing the details of our strategic plan. We have already begun the good work that it challenges us to do. Your insights have been invaluable as we implement our vision to set the standard for education in St. Louis and lead the way for independent schools nationwide.

We look forward to sharing more about the strategic plan with you this spring. When we are asked to be bold and courageous, Philippine Duchesne is our inspiration. Thank you for your confidence and trust in our School and in the bold mission of Sacred Heart education, where your child is known and loved and leaves us with a sense of their purpose and passion and the ultimate goal to transform the world with love.

We advance,

Michael F. Baber

Head of School

J. Spencer Finney Jr.

Board Chair

Thomas J. Adamitis

Chair, Strategic Planning Committee