In thIs Issue: - The Out-of-Door Academy

the Board
of trustees
2006-2007
Academic Year
ron Gelbman
Chairperson
Ken Goldberg
Vice Chairperson
mitzie henson
Secretary
John m. cranor, iii
Treasurer
James Abrams
Tonie Branica
Thomas Buffett
John cannon
rhonda deems
deborah Ferro
Ann Grano
mike hagan
John hawkins
Peter hayes
Betsy Kane-hartnett
Tonya maxey
Ken Pendery
donna salzberg
reed savidge
Brenda uihlein
michael von Waldner
Phyllis yonker
Trustee Emeritus
Gerd Petrik
Ex-officio
david V. mahler
Head of School
Administration
david V. mahler
Head of School
Bruce latta
Head of Middle/Upper School
susan Gebhard
Head of Lower School
Angel cappar
Chief Financial Officer
laura murphy
Director of Admissions
dennis chapman
Director of Advancement
Joseph runge
Director of
College Counseling
dear Friends of The out-of-door Academy,
one of the questions that i am asked most
frequently is why i choose to work in an
independent school. in fact, at a recent meeting of
sarasota county educators, a principal asked me
point blank, “What makes out-of-door Academy
different from a public school?” i responded
without missing a beat, “everything.”
Philosophically, structurally, and operationally,
out-of-door Academy differs greatly from other
schools. i take great pride in the fact that we are a unique school, with a rich and
storied history of excellence, tradition and educational innovation that cannot be
replicated or reproduced. While our school has grown and evolved dramatically over
the past eighty-three years, it has remained firmly committed to its original mission
and purpose. We will preserve high educational standards at all costs. Furthermore,
we celebrate and cherish our independence. Thankfully, an environment free of
politics, bureaucracy and constraints affords us the freedom to always act in the best
interest of the young people in our care. i can’t think of a higher, or more important,
purpose for a school.
if you read this issue of the banyan with a close eye, an image of a remarkable
independent school that promotes excellence, reinforces values, seeks challenge and
remains true to its educational roots will come into focus. This unique portrait which
depicts our school community is composed of students that consistently amaze us
with their many gifts and talents, a faculty and staff that works tirelessly to provide a
challenging, yet supportive, environment where young people can learn, grow and
thrive, a parent community that gives generously of their time and resources to make
sure that our school continues to flourish, and a growing generation of alumni who
are prospering thanks to the strong educational foundation they received at out-ofdoor
Academy.
While the question posed to me by my public school counterpart was accurately
answered in a word, a more comprehensive and detailed response can be found
in the pages that follow. here you will find the faces of the out-of-door family that
represent who we are, what we stand for, and how we are different. Furthermore, you
will have a clear understanding of why i choose to work in an independent school
and why out-of-door Academy feels like home.
david V. mahler
Head of School