I was a bit surprised by the question given the setting. But then, I remembered something a seasoned business officer said a few years ago about his facilities budget. Somewhat tongue in cheek, he asked, "If I can't take dollars from my facilities, how do you expect me to balance my budget?" My second thought tied that memory to the auditor's question. In fact, are independent schools identifying the appropriate resources to maintain their physical plants? Given the financial pressures many schools are facing, is PPRRSM more reality or aspiration?
It's an interesting question as independent schools face increasing competition from schools that operate online, out of strip mall storefronts and in private homes—models that require little to no investment in classrooms, gymnasiums or performing arts centers. I am struck by the potential irony of independent schools not appropriately designating or identifying adequate resources to maintain their largest asset; after all, their world-class facilities should clearly set them apart from these competitors. Our schools create a sense of pride and value through their deliberate approach to creating learning environments. Our physical plants and facilities remain among the most visible and tangible ways admissions professionals can demonstrate "intangibles" such as how we care for students, keep them safe, personalize their learning and encourage them to be critical thinkers and innovators. Our schools' physical spaces help tell our stories.
There is no doubt that bricks and mortar shine a light on the tuitions many schools must charge to support them, along with traditional methods of education delivery that aren't often as newsworthy as the latest classroom app. To me, this heightens the need to scrutinize whether we are properly investing in PPRRSM, and, if not, to consider how we can do so—such as through a special endowment, if you're fortunate enough, or by including building maintenance costs in your capital campaign. Equally important, we must talk about the advantages of our facilities: the maker spaces that cultivate innovation and problem-solving; the confidence developed by students who perform drama in black box theater; above all the wonderful community that is created when students connect to each other and to faculty under one "roof."
Don't get me wrong: I'm all for utilizing technology in the classroom to better personalize and customize learning, and to take students to places virtually they may never get to visit. But we cannot be shy about drawing attention to how our facilities make our schools unique, valuable and above all worthy of families' investments. After all, that's a bragging right the new competition will likely never have.
