The Trustees Week is an annual event from January 26th to 28th, but many students remain oblivious of the variety of topics the Board ofTrustees discusses. As a group overseeing the high level of strategic initiatives and directives, the meetings mainly focus on investments, budgets, and finance to move forward with projects or vote for renovations.
In between the heavy agenda, the Board of Trustees meets with different members of the community each year to consider every aspect of the school. Last year, students engaged in GCE (Groton Community Engagement) and the Circle Voice editors had the opportunity to convey how much they have developed through the programs they are involved in. Since many of the Trustees themselves graduated from Groton, hearing students’ stories was valuable to the governing body. Dr. Winkler, one of the Trustees, described the experience of meeting students to be “invigorating and impactful that gives fuel to push the initiatives.”
Since many conversations amongst the Trustees focused on inclusion this year, the Board of Trustees met with twenty-one Inclusion Scholars—applicants who benefited from GRAIN—across forms. Approved in the fall of 2014, GRAIN (GRoton Affordability and INclusion) is a fundraising initiative that strives to bring in diverse perspectives and maintain a comparatively low tuition. Joining the trustees for dessert, the Inclusion Scholars individually shared how big of an impact GRAIN has made on their Groton experiences and lives. One of the Inclusion Scholars reflected on conversing with the Trustees: “Many trustees mentioned how GRAIN has taken the school from a very different place where there was a clear socio-economic, and racial barrier to now. I am glad that Groton became a place of diversity today.”
The excitement was mutual in the room. Dr. Winkler was pleased to see how students are reaping the benefits of GRAIN. Yet, Dr. Winkler says that GRAIN is more about being successful in school. The committee puts much emphasis on the social and emotional well-being of the student: “We understand the pressure that students are under, so we try to make sure Groton is a healthy environment where students feel like they are part of it.” Indeed, GRAIN has established diversity at Groton, but the Trustees seek to ensure all students share the sense of belonging.
GRAIN is part of the 2030 Strategic Framework, a tangible way to reinforce the administration’s commitment towards inclusion and belonging. Ms. Machan, the Dean of Strategic Operations, said, “Directing funds, making decisions about tuition, and all the other needs for operating the school are held with the GRAIN mindset.” Embodying the principles of the Strategic Framework, GRAIN promotes accessibility and affordability in all aspects of the student’s life.
Instead of a temporary plan, the Trustees are planning to continue GRAIN and maintain the status of current tuition being the lowest amongst forty peer schools. The Strategic Framework will be the plan for the next few years.With inclusion and belonging being the main focus of the initiative, the Trustees hope to further present these opportunities available to students of diverse backgrounds.
