The Annual Report

2008-2009Results of OperationsIncomeMessage from theSchoolAdministratorb y S u s a n B r a u nInvestment Used toFund Operations$109,000 (2%)UnrestrictedAnnual Fund*$248,000 (4%)Summer,Afternoon andSupport Programs$925,000 (13%)* Excludes Temporary and Permanently Restricted GiftsTotal Operating Income: $6,859 (100%)Summer,Afternoon &Support Programs$836,000 (11%)Facilities$302,000 (4%)Instructional Support$346,000 (5%)Tuition Assistance,Scholarship and Remission$1,048,000 (15%)ExpensesOther Income$79,000 (1%)Tuition and Fees$5,498,000 (80%)General & Administrative$262,000 (4%)Salaries & Benefits$4,065,000 (60%)The currenteconomic climatehas presented realchallenges to ourSchool. Job lossescombined with thedecline in the valueof homes andinvestments has reduced the ability ofparents to afford a private schooleducation. While we have workedthoughtfully with every familyexperiencing financial difficulty, not allhave been able to continue. Prospectivefamilies are also finding it moredifficult to identify adequate financialresources. We are fortunate that ourdecrease is not as severe as thatexperienced by other schools; however,enrollment and retention continue to beour focus points.History shows that difficultcircumstances often give rise to insightand innovation. The Waldorf School ofGarden City is strongly positioned totransform the current adversity into anopportunity for future growth anddevelopment. With a number of criticalcapital improvements completed, ourSchool is physically attractive andeducationally functional. The capacityof the School’s leadership to makethoughtful, and sometimes difficult,financial decisions ensures continuedfiscal stability. Our heightened effort toposition the Waldorf School as anoutstanding educational choice includescritically assessing and improving ourmarketing, advertising and outreachstrategies. Finally, the need to manageexpenses requires us to continuallyrefocus our pedagogical vision, ensuringthat students educated at the WaldorfSchool today receive the skills andcapacities needed to thrive in therapidly changing world of tomorrow.Transforming the currentchallenges will require the continuedfocus and vision of the School’s coreleadership groups – the Board,administration, and College of Teachers– along with the ongoing commitmentof our of entire School community.What will emerge is a stronger school –grounded in the core principles ofWaldorf education, yet flexible enoughto meet the changing needs of ourstudents and their families.Total Operating Expense: $6,859 (100%)4