The Woodstock Academy District board affirms mission and outlines four strategic priorities during planning workshop

The Woodstock Academy District Board of Trustees met Sept. 27, 2025, for a strategic planning workshop that affirmed the board’s current mission and laid out four priority pillars for the academy’s future. President Christine Swenson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and introduced guest facilitator Michael Reardon.

Vice President Edwin Higgins led a review of the academy’s mission statement, which the board affirmed. Head of School Larry Filippelli gave a "state of the school" address and invited trustees to ask questions about school operations and performance.

Facilitator Michael Reardon guided trustees through a visioning exercise and presented four strategic pillars the board discussed: framing the academy as a student-centered institution with a public purpose and global perspective; ensuring a rigorous, diverse academic program to develop lifelong learners and global citizens; cultivating programs that develop engagement and empathy in students; and creating alternate pathways to support student competence and success.

Trustees discussed implications for programming, student supports and governance. Vice President Higgins led a shorter discussion on improving succession planning for the board to support leadership continuity.

Reardon summarized the session and proposed next steps for the strategic planning process. Head of School Filippelli and President Swenson thanked the facilitator and trustees for their participation. Trustee Leisl Langevin moved to adjourn at 12:49 p.m., Trustee Lauren Brown seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The minutes were submitted by Board Clerk Julie Woodland and note that they are for informational purposes only.