From the Board of Directors

Here are the opening remarks from our outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, Frank Monticello, from Monday's Election General Meeting (EGM):

To Members of the Association:

As we reach the last open board meeting of the year, - my last open board meeting as Chair – and also the last open board meeting for Joseph Gibson – I’d like to extend my gratitude to the many people who have helped support me and the Board during my three years as Chair.  Also I’ll take this opportunity to recognize Joseph Gibson for his four years of service on the Board, and his taking on the role of AISL Treasurer.

First – Thank you to the staff and faculty.  I won’t name them individually as they are too numerous and I fear I would miss some.  Nonetheless – for the life changing work that you all do day in and day out, I’d like to recognize you all and say thank you.

Second – Parents and members of the association who so faithfully are part of the fabric of this school.  Some of you have decades long relationships with this school. Without them, there really could be no school.  And an equal thank you to all the others - from the US Embassy, other embassies, and businesses who play such a special and important role in the success of the school.

Next to our principals – Ty and Darlene – Thank you!  Your tireless leadership – weekends, nights and more is critical to the development of our children and the educational program here at AISL.

Lastly – Thank you, Russ.  As the Board’s only employee, you get the pleasure of extra time spent with the Board.  Your unending professionalism, wise counsel, and expertise has been something that I simply could not have taken on this role without.  And perhaps an even greater thank you to your family Terry, Ben, and Cora – I know they make sacrifices so that you can do all that you do.

There have been many accomplishments that I’ve had the good fortune to witness.  Some as we know require before and after pictures as many people forget the tangled wires or open ditches that used to exist – and many think “this is how it’s always been”.  Some improvements like security are also less visible – but equally if not more important for the protection of our children.  Highly visible successes such as the Pavilion advance the educational experience, while others like the gym extend AISL’s unmatched excellence beyond the classroom in Zambia – and I dare say are some of the best facilities on the continent.  After completing and ‘practicing’ on these projects – on time and under budget, we’re prepared to directly improve the classroom experience in the coming months.

Our successes are many – and I thank Russ – and my fellow board members for all that has been done to accomplish this.

Now, we near time to pass on the baton.  The Ambassador has named Ms. Sarah Crites as an incoming board member and next year’s Board Chair.  Similarly, I’ll venture a bet that Ms. Andrea Heiland will have success in our election tonight and also be joining the board.  The school is in a strong position – and I have confidence that position will only improve as we bring in new blood and take on and complete ambitious new projects.

Thank you for all of the support,

Frank Monticello