Brian led the group in a round of reflections from the afternoon's Strategic Plan Kickoff. Trustees highlighted that the following worked well: 

• Helped change our culture
• Strong facilitation that pushed us
• Outsider helped – know us well and have a different perspective
• Asked great questions
• Helpful to hear the Board of Trustee perspective on Strategic Planning
• We did well behaving strategically
• Honest sharing
• A balance between reflection and working

Trustees shared that the following should be changed for next time: 

• Start to focus on particular priorities
• The structure of the agenda needs to change to drive towards excellence – more purposeful
• More time

Stefanie asked about how the discussions with school leadership went earlier in the day and whether there was alignment with the Board's discussions. Brian, Matt, and Michelle all shared they felt there was clear alignment and consistency between the discussions. 

Brian shared that enrollment is currently at 367 students, and there were 18 applicants for the October lottery. He also shared that Parker has hired a current teacher to call these prospective families to share about Parker and answer their questions. 

Pam Gordon shared that the Enrollment Subcommittee had their first meeting. They are looking for more representation from Leominster, Ayer-Shirley, and Worcester, as well as one member from the DEI committee. The subcommittee looked at data from a survey of families who left or did not choose to come to Parker. 

Mara Edgar asked whether the goal is to increase enrollment in specific towns or across all our sending communities. Pam responded that the subcommittee focused on those committees closest to Parker and our top-sending districts. Brian noted the need to focus on pockets. 

Brian shared he anticipates doing a January lottery. 

Christina Soderman asked whether what we know about the students who have entered the fall lottery. Brian said the group will come back with an answer to the Board. 

Katrina began by sharing that Development is kicking off the road to Parker's 30th. The committee has begun work on a spring 2024 event. This year's fund is budgeted at $200k, and they are considering how to increase alumni support and giving from friends of Parker. Efforts are being made to reach out to alumni from the earlier years of Parker. The response has been very positive and receptive. Katrina emphasized the fundraising component and goal for this event. In FY25, Katrina stated there would be an increase in goal, but that is currently TBD. There is hope for some sort of physical project to accompany the 30th anniversary. 

Stefanie framed that the committee has been talking about what role the Board can play in the success of these events. Trustees then engaged in partner conversations to discuss the question. Stefanie also shared that the friends of Parker pie needs to grow and asked trustees to think of specific individuals they would invite and bring to one of these events. 

Glenn Penna shared the Governance Committee's recruitment forecast for this year. The Board currently has 15 members, and Governance anticipates 3 members to be rolling off and 2 members have expressed interest in renewing for an additional term. Governance has set a goal of 5 new members for the Board this year, including alumni, faculty, and parents as key constituencies. Governance is also actively considering succession planning for Board officers for next year. Glenn concluded by encouraging trustees to begin to think about and identify individuals whom they believe could be a good fit for board service. Nicole also encouraged trustees to think about committee work, as well.