The Compass: As construction continues across multiple projects on campus, how would you describe the progress of the last two years?
KS: We are writing the script for a transformational window into our history. We keep breaking records and it just makes us hungry to do more. We have raised nearly $20M and are tackling extraordinary projects that will define the next generation of Tilton School for our students.
TC: What are the newest developments in Knowles Hall?
KS: We are excited to see the interior take shape! It is really funny now in the winter with the scaffolding covered by a protective wrap — it looks quite strange yet there is a metamorphosis underway inside bringing the building back to life. At no point have we compromised on the quality. We will need all our friends and family to help us cross the finish line and that makes me excited to find a creative way to represent that support in the final iteration of the project.
TC: There’s so much work happening that we can see (and hear) on a daily basis, but what’s happening behind the scenes that will impact the future of the school?
KS: One of the key behind-the-scenes initiatives that’s made a huge difference in our direction as an institution is a commitment to professional development, compensation, and fun activities to take care of our community. In order for Tilton to continue on its trajectory to being a top independent school, we have to make Tilton one of the best places to work. I’m humbled by the commitment of our faculty and staff and we’re matching that commitment on our end.
We’ve also seen a major impact through scholarships that support new programs, diversity, and young women. These new opportunities would not be possible without our donors coming forward to help champion the causes they care about. Their leadership, and the leadership from all levels of our organization, is making this a transformational time for our students and our community — and there will be more exciting news to share on this front soon!
TC: What is yet to come that has you feeling excited?
KS: In my heart I love to design and build. That’s why it’s so exciting that, as the physical campus starts to take shape, we’re also strengthening and fortifying our program to meet the needs of today’s students. I love watching our faculty bring learning to life alongside the coaches and program leaders who unlock the potential in our athletes and artists. I love how much fun the leadership team and faculty have together — I think it helps us be creative and engaged as we build something really special at Tilton.
TC: We’ve seen some amazing participation from alumni in the classroom this year — what has it been like to see former students so involved and how can others get involved?
KS: Our alumni grow up way too fast, yet they are all so young at heart! The engagement has been unparalleled this year with alumni collaborating with us in classrooms, college counseling, and so much more. I also love hearing stories of their escapades, like the secret room we discovered in Knowles. During the course of construction, we found a space between the second and third floors that was filled with signatures of former Tilton students. It’s a wonderful reminder that Knowles has been a home to so many.
TC: To those alumni and friends who are reading this and thinking about getting involved — what would you say to them? Why Tilton?
KS: The world needs schools like Tilton. We are developing a program that is highly personalized and helps students develop confidence and character while also making an impact in their community. This work will help Tilton emerge as a leader in independent education, and I think that is a north star we can all get behind. The construction on campus is a physical manifestation of these changes and it comes alongside the strongest faculty and staff group I have experienced over the last 15 years. This is truly an extraordinary time to be a part of Tilton — your voice and engagement as our community is what will make this work special! The world needs schools like Tilton. We are developing a program that is highly personalized and helps students develop confidence and character while also making an impact in their community. This work will help Tilton emerge as a leader in independent education, and I think that is a north star we can all get behind. The construction on campus is a physical manifestation of these changes and it comes alongside the strongest faculty and staff group I have experienced over the last 15 years. This is truly an extraordinary time to be a part of Tilton — your voice and engagement as our community is what will make this work special!