Just two years after the completion of Munger Hall, Marlborough has outlined further expansion and growth in the newest Strategic Plan, which formally announces the long-term goals of the School, including engaging locally while leading globally. The plan will be available to the entire community at the end of May and will define in broad strokes the school’s intentions for the next ten years.
The planning process for the 2011- 2021 strategic plan began in 2009, with consultation of the Board of Trustees, countless round table discussions and surveys sent to parents, students and alumnae.
“We really wanted it to be an inclusive process,” Head of School Barbara Wagner said. “And we wanted to make sure the voices of the community were all involved.”
According the Wagner, the plan reflects the core values of the School—community excellence, confidence and honor—while building upon and emphasizing aspects that require more focus.
“We began this process to confirm the mission statement and identify the key goals,” Director of Finance and Operations Nick Hernandez said. “It was a very intense process for the school.”
The result of two years of discussion and planning, the newest plan to sustain excellence on campus will build upon Marlborough’s previous strategic plan, which included the Leadership in Learning Campaign and spanned the years of 2000 to 2010.
The addition of Munger Hall was a major consequence of that plan, leading many students and parents to wonder when the School will expand again. The Arden Project, which seeks to expand the School’s property by purchasing nearby houses, was approved nearly 12 years ago, though no one knows when the next construction will take place.
“We’re thinking broadly and strategically,” Hernandez said. “We want to see how the school can continue to expand its facilities and resources to constantly maintain excellence in education.”
Approved in three phases, the Arden Project began with the creation of Booth Field in 2001, which was once a row of homes behind those currently on Arden. The area will eventually include a full-length soccer field, more surface parking, a full garden and a new swimming pool.
“Part of what we’re trying to do is make sure Marlborough is always improving and growing, and that the value of a Marlborough diploma continues to grow as well,” Wagner said.
Like Leadership in Learning, the Arden Project fits within the goal of maintaining the quality of the school while growing and modernizing with time.
“I can’t wait to eventually return to Marlborough as an alumna and see the changes that will have taken place,” Devon ’12 said. “It’s cool to see how the school continues to change and grow.”