Strategic Plan and Annual Report

The purpose of Ashbrook’s annual report, NORTHSTAR, is to share a comprehensive overview of achievements, challenges, and strategic initiatives ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and informed about our progress and vision.

Pointing the Way Forward

Updates on Our Strategic Plan: Pointing the Way Forward

In 2024, the Board of Trustees worked hard to assemble and publish a five-year strategic plan, Pointing the Way Forward. This plan was shaped by the valuable insights and ideas shared during stakeholder meetings, special staff gatherings, and a parent focus group facilitated by our trustees. The plan represents an evolving vision for Ashbrook’s future, balancing inspiration with practicality. By sharing this overview, we aim to provide transparency and invite continued engagement as we move ahead together.

1. Academic Excellence & Student Experience

Ashbrook will deliver a joyful educational experience where students cultivate a life-long love of learning and develop essential character traits, critical thinking skills, and knowledge.

  • Curriculum maps updated and accessible under the Academics tab based on grade level.
  • Critical Thinking curriculum maps added.
  • Website updated to include a more detailed description of how Ashbrook incorporates critical thinking into everyday curriculum.
  • Articles written by the Head of School, Doc, about the importance of Critical Thinking in the Age of AI.
  • Safety Audit conducted and a perimeter fence, including gates, have been fully installed.
  • Expanded Student Council Representatives to include 3rd and 4th Graders (previously, students had to be 5th grade or above to run in the election).
  • Parent speakers program will now be every other year vs. every year.
  • Character “steps” installed as of 2024.

2. Financial Sustainability

Ashbrook will develop a robust financial model that ensures accessibility while sustainably investing in staff, facilities, and programs to further our mission.

      • Board Investment Policy ratified.
      • Finance Committee created.
      • Advancement Committee created. 
      • Facilities Committee created. 
      • Investment Advisor engaged.
      • Director of Development hired and development plan deployed, including institutional fundraising calendar to coordinate all asks.
      • Two full audits completed by third party accountants.
      • Standard operating procedures and best practice accounting model adopted.
      • Efforts to cultivate a culture of philanthropy through education and awareness of the partnership between tuition and philanthropy.
      • Alumni database and communications is ongoing.
      • Summer Programs enhanced and rebranded to “Summer Camp” to promote greater interest (Summer 2025 our largest program to date). Continuing to seek grant funders to support Summer Camp scholarships for families in need of childcare resources during the summer. 
      • Increased and more Deliberate/targeted marketing Plan.
      • “Percent of Giving” stressed in 2025 year: 95% of the community gave to the Explorer Fund (annual fund). Continuing to communicate and educate the community about the powerful impact of giving to support the school mission. 
      • Admissions Associate added to available stipend positions. 5th grade teacher, Amanda Kelly, has taken on this role.  
      • Expand marketing plan to include targeted Facebook ads.
      • Board of Trustees to solidify a facilities Master Plan that includes long-term sustainability, institutional advancement, and revenue considerations.
      • Since August 2025, Ashbrook has hosted over 6,300 event rental guests, keeping us on pace to meet or exceed our 2025–26 financial goal.

3. Faculty & Staff

Ashbrook will invest in recruiting, growing, and retaining the most highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff by making Ashbrook the preeminent grade school employer in the market.

More on our accreditation and professional memberships here. 

      • Ongoing conversation about broad-banding and merit pay.

      • Ongoing professional development to ensure staff are knowledgeable, responsive, and well-equipped to address current and emerging issues.

      • Family AI reading groups established and ongoing. 

      • Refine and finalize Emergency Preparedness Plan.

4. Community Engagement

Ashbrook will build stronger relationships with families, alums, and the local community to create a more engaged and supportive educational ecosystem.

      • 1,803 hours volunteer hours logged by currently enrolled families. This marks a significant increase from prior years!
      • Reinstated School Status as a primary communication tool for currently enrolled families.
      • Hosted the Great Pumpkin Run fundraiser through Home Life Inc. 
      • Hosted our first annual Community Appreciation Event in August 2025. 
  • Active members of the Corvallis Chamber.
  • Implementing strategic updates to the Ashbrook website to improve user experience, simplify navigation, and strengthen SEO.
  • Head of School to increase monthly education articles to weekly blog posts.
  • Partner with local nonprofits to increase support for impactful initiatives and causes.
  • Head of School is the Education Expert author for Mom Magazine as of 2025.
  • Offer alumni  gatherings.
  • Host a TEDx Talk in the Fall of 2026 (License officially received in January 2026).

5. Facilities & Grounds

Ashbrook will sustainably invest in our campus and facilities to create learning spaces and communal areas that inspire, engage, and provide a safe and comfortable environment for our community.

      • New rental agent hired.
      • Enhanced marketing initiative to rent facilities.
      • $1.6 Million in capital repairs completed thanks to a generous donor.
  • Aging HVAC systems continue being updated.
  • Provision for Plant Replacement, Renewal and Special Maintenance (PPRRSM) discussions continue.
  • More intentional promotion of events hosted at Ashbrook.