What is going on at Holton?

[Anonymous]

First, to answer one question, yes, we tried RSM. It is rigorous but in a repetitive way, not like AOPS. Perhaps there are different classes for older years. We have done AOPS too, which can be really challenging for sure. Second, if DD is bored AND KNOWS ALL THE CLASS MATERIAL at Holton, and is easily getting everything correct, then yes, that is a problem. I agree that you shouldn’t have to supplement if you are in an elite private school. I guess I have assumed that most kids who seem bored are just... bored, but not because the material is overwhelmingly easy for them. I also would assume that Holton is indeed taking care of the girls who really need more. It is just not in their interest to ignore those girls, it makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of boosters on here but there are some real concerns that need to be addressed for those of us who are investing a lot of money in an education that is perceived to be incredible but in reality is just not. Nothing can be done because parents are afraid to speak up and the division heads won’t make any changes. We have two DD at Holton and will be looking elsewhere in the fall. It’s a sad state.

I actually don't think there are a lot of boosters here. Maybe 2-3, with one who is a paid employee. We all know who she ls. They are just very vocal and on this forum obsessively.
You are right though, everyone is afraid to speak up because they don't want to jeopardize anything for their own child. And then they just leave - either by transfer or just graduate and don't look back. And it doesn't feel good when you pay so much money for your daughter to attend.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]23:04 - you say on the one hand that the accusations are specific and not vague, and on the other the school doesn’t share details. I disagree, but since you think they are specific, please share from the post what is specific and not vague about claimed “poor financial decisions”? Likewise, “annual fund is so sad” - both inaccurate on its face, but again, explain the specifics of what is sad about it, since participation and $$ are up? How is this statement not vague and supported by specific information? Final, would love the “specific” details on the “reputation overhaul” that you read that clearly have gone over my head. We look forward to your response.[/quote]

Take a look at the schools Annual Report, CPA certified statements, and other public filings and docs. You will be very upset when you see where $$ are spent. And if you can't find them, you will realize just how un-transparent the school is.[/quote]

Since they are a non-profit, their IRS form 990's are public. I have their 990 in front of me. What "smoking gun" should I be looking for? The only ones that stick out to me is on Schedule F they have $11mln invested in Central America/Carribean (my guess is an alum based there gave them a big donation, like upon death); and they issued a revenue bon in 2015 for $21mln to pay for capital projects (Schedule K).[/quote]

What do you think of their hefty salaries?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You hope that someone reads this from Holton admin and takes a look at what is going on. Many don’t want to leave but want things to change.

Isn't the problem the administration?

[Anonymous]

Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

Does anyone really care about the financial stuff? What about the physics teacher? And lack of parebtal engagement, trust and accountability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

Does anyone really care about the financial stuff? What about the physics teacher? And lack of parebtal engagement, trust and accountability.

Sounds like it is time for new leadership after 14 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

What are the lawsuits about? Contractors not being paid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

What are the lawsuits about? Contractors not being paid?

The only relevance to any of this is how it impacts fundraising and financial status. No specifics, but that is what lien lawsuits are. One is a painting company, flooring, landscaping, etc.
These are totally unrelated to the academic and community decisions being made. They are probably not even handled by the HoS but by the finance committee or the Executive committee

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think many are missing the point that Holton is trying to make. Girls who skip pre-algebra are often missing the strong foundation needed for the advanced math that comes later on. They may be “bored” now but it will benefit them later.

No the point is that Holton should be working to help the girls reach their highest and fullest potential. When we pay $50k with the highest tuition increases in the area every year, we should have some say. That is why we have chosen Holton. The laissez faire approach would be to send your daughter to boarding school. No one is doing that on this forum

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

Does anyone really care about the financial stuff? What about the physics teacher? And lack of parebtal engagement, trust and accountability.

Can anyone please weigh in on the physics teacher situation? One of my girls was in his class. How did the school handle it? Does anyone know if there was counseling offered to the girls who were impacted? This is very unsettling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

Does anyone really care about the financial stuff? What about the physics teacher? And lack of parebtal engagement, trust and accountability.

Can anyone please weigh in on the physics teacher situation? One of my girls was in his class. How did the school handle it? Does anyone know if there was counseling offered to the girls who were impacted? This is very unsettling.

Sounds like you need to ask the school. Before people say they won’t be forthright, I’d point out this thread and give it a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

What are the lawsuits about? Contractors not being paid?

The only relevance to any of this is how it impacts fundraising and financial status. No specifics, but that is what lien lawsuits are. One is a painting company, flooring, landscaping, etc.
These are totally unrelated to the academic and community decisions being made. They are probably not even handled by the HoS but by the finance committee or the Executive committee

Ahh probably just a dispute over not paying for shoddy work. Hardly a sign of fiscal mismanagement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was sent out last year. Stellar write-up, now redacted for privacy. Since the original was removed.

Dear Parents,

We want to let you know that Thursday, February 13th was Upper School Science teacher XXXs last day teaching at Holton-Arms. XXX taught here for 18 years, and contributed significantly to many aspects of the science program, including creating our Upper School engineering course and the Robotics Team. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

Rest assured that your daughters are in good hands. MMM will continue to lead the Advisory Group and will be assisted by US Counselor AAA. PPP, one of the other ninth-grade physics teachers, will teach the U4 ninth-grade physics class for the remainder of the year. HHH, who has an undergraduate degree in physics from YYY and a PhD in astronomy from the UUU, will teach the Advanced Analytical Physics for the remainder of the year. RRR, Director of Libraries and Information Services, will cover the last few classes of the Computer Programming and Robotics second trimester course. We are waiving the Science Research Program’s requirement to take Science Literacy, a trimester course offered in the spring, and we will not offer the course this year. HHH will reach out to the girls enrolled in that class to assign some readings. We are continuing to seek out coverage for the Introduction to Engineering class and for the Robotics Team. In the meantime, members of the Science Department will cover Engineering and the Robotics Team. We will update you once we have solidified that coverage.

We shared this news with your daughters this morning. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Head of School
Director of Upper School

This was sent out as cya. Not sure if any girls requested individual counseling but never discussed or acknowledged. Basically it was all swept under the rug until now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule K shows $21m borrowed for capital projects. the school has had over a dozen lawsuits for unpaid capital projects. 3 in the past year. pretty specific examples of fiscal mismanagement.

What are the lawsuits about? Contractors not being paid?

The only relevance to any of this is how it impacts fundraising and financial status. No specifics, but that is what lien lawsuits are. One is a painting company, flooring, landscaping, etc.
These are totally unrelated to the academic and community decisions being made. They are probably not even handled by the HoS but by the finance committee or the Executive committee

Ahh probably just a dispute over not paying for shoddy work. Hardly a sign of fiscal mismanagement.

Haha. Maybe once, but 12 times???