Develop Process and Frameworks

In this phase, the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees and Head of School Jess Hill establish the overall approach and structure for the strategic design process. They define the key stakeholders involved, set timelines, and outline the methodologies and tools to be used. 

Harpeth Hall has engaged Greenwich Leadership Partners to facilitate the process. 

Listen and Gather Feedback

Harpeth Hall engages various stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumnae, current and past parents, grandparents, and current, past, and honorary members of the board of trustees.

Through listening sessions and the strategic planning survey administered by Greenwich Leadership Partners, the school collects feedback about the Harpeth Hall of today and the school community's aspirations for the future. The listening sessions and survey results identify strengths, challenges, and areas of opportunity.

Synthesize Feedback and Distill Themes

In this phase, Greenwich Leadership Partners (GLP) analyzes the feedback gathered from the survey. GLP team members identify common themes, concerns, and aspirations that emerge from the data. This process helps in understanding key issues and priorities to address in the strategic design.

In early summer 2023, GLP presents a detailed report to the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees, the strategic design team (comprised of board members, alumnae, current and past parents, and faculty), and members of the school leadership team. Head of School Jess Hill and Crissy Wieck, chair of the board, then share key findings with the Harpeth Hall community.

Develop Strategy

Throughout the summer, the strategic design team (comprised of board members, alumnae, current and past parents, and faculty) begins to translate key takeaways into a vision and strategic priorities based on the synthesized listening session feedback and survey data provided by the entire Harpeth Hall community.

Test Hypotheses and Gather Addition Feedback

In early fall 2023, Jess Hill hosts several gatherings (in-person and on Zoom) for parents, alumnae, and all other stakeholders interested in hearing more about the strategic design process and the incorporation of the survey results in strategic priority setting. Members of the strategic design team join each session to share the language they are testing as they shape a vision and priorities for the future. The sessions help the strategic design committee gather input to further develop and refine goals.

Create the Plan

This multi-step phase begins with the strategic design team reflecting on feedback to refine strategic priorities. The team then outlines the final strategies and metrics for success in preparation for a presentation to the board of trustees.

Board Approval and Enactment

The final phase involves presenting the strategic design to the board of trustees for approval. The board reviews the plan, requests revisions where it sees fit, and ultimately votes to approve.

Once approved, Harpeth Hall's leadership team enacts the strategic priorities and begins implementing the strategies designed to align with the school's mission, vision, and aspirations. The board plays a crucial role in providing oversight and support throughout the implementation process.