I am thrilled to join St. Mark’s and inherit the solid foundation and goodwill established for years by my predecessor, Suzanne Townsend. It is my pleasure to report that the financial position of St. Mark’s School of Texas continues to be exceptionally strong, ending the 2025 fiscal year with a healthy surplus and sizeable gains in the endowment fund. The St. Mark’s Fund once again exceeded our goals by a significant amount with record-setting commitments, furthering support of over 10% of the annual operating budget. The Board of Trustees directed surplus funds to the long-term reserve for future operations, providing the School with added security for future years. The utilization of the reserve is Board-directed and may be directed for capital expenditures, technology support, internal financing needs, or any other operational purpose that the Board deems appropriate. The School’s endowment continues to grow due to the good stewardship of the Board and commitment of our donors. 

We are all unified by our commitment to dedicated stewardship of the financial resources made available by the strength of our community. During the fiscal year, the Finance Committee, under the leadership of Beau Harbour ’01, monitored the completion of the funding of construction for the Zierk Athletic Complex, in addition to providing oversight of the operating budget. Driven by the unwavering commitment of our donors, we were able to complete the Athletic Complex with virtually no debt related to short-term financing. The Investment Committee, chaired by John Rocchio, provided expert guidance, countless hours, and fiduciary oversight throughout the year, ensuring that the School’s endowment performance was closely monitored, and that the long-term financial objectives of the School were thoughtfully considered. As Facilities Committee Chair, Lawrence Gardner worked with the committee to address capital priorities on campus, with a myriad of projects completed through the year, including state of the art audio visual equipment in 18 classrooms and cosmetic remodels in the H. Ben Decherd Fine Arts Center and Nearburg Hall. The Audit Committee, chaired by Michael Wisenbaker ’93, continues to thoughtfully monitor the School’s retirement plan performance and steward audit and tax compliance review in partnership with our team. 

The newly constructed Zierk Athletic Complex opened in January 2025 and has already proven to be a huge asset to our Marksmen, serving as a focal point of daily activity in the Hicks Gym and Levering Pool, and on the courts of the Al G. Hill Sr. Family Tennis Center. The Ralph B. Rogers Family Fieldhouse will open in the winter of 2026, completely revamping the space formerly occupied by the School’s natatorium, creating indoor turf facilities, and updating the wrestling center. This reimagined space will provide Marksmen limitless opportunity for athletic activity across a wide variety of sports. As we have now passed the sixth anniversary of the 2019 tornado that caused widespread destruction across North Dallas, we are thrilled that our campus is fully operational with such impactful new facilities. 

It is a joy to work alongside our Board of Trustees, school leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure the continued strength of programs and excellence at St. Mark’s School of Texas for current and future generations of Marksmen.  We recognize and appreciate this awesome opportunity and responsibility, and are grateful for the unwavering support of the St. Mark’s community.