Posted November 18, 2021 in Articles
For more than 50 years, Lawrence School has been redefining the classroom experience and expanding possibilities for students.
This is what attracted my own family to the school back when we enrolled my daughter Sarah ’15 in 2006. I know it also attracted my fellow Board members. So, when the opportunity presented itself to unite and make a capital gift that would expand possibilites for the school itself, our response was a clear and resounding YES!
As the president of Lawrence School’s Board of Trustees, it is my honor to formally announce the expansion of Upper Campus to include 11.5 acres of adjacent property.
It’s time for Lawrence to begin thinking about the future—and the future looks bright. -Nathaniel E. Leonard, Board President
Prior to Lawrence’s purchase of 47 acres in Sagamore Hills, the site was known as Fell Lake Swim Park. For decades, the Perko family owned this recreation destination, which allowed thousands of families to enjoy relaxing days of outdoor picnics and swimming. The land is used a little differently now, but Lawrence School is proud to honor their tradition of welcoming children from all over northeast Ohio!
While most of what had been the park has become the Upper School Campus, four large residential parcels, positioned along Olde Eight and Northfield Road, remained under private ownership.
Last year, Lawrence’s Board quietly moved forward in negotiating the addition of this property, as well as launching a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds.
Learn more in the following Q & A with trustees and leaders of the charge Jill Harrington, Susan Karas, and Rob Risman.
Tell us about the property.
Rob: The land is very easy to describe because it is literally the front yard of our Upper School! We were able to add 11.5 acres of contiguous property to our campus, now equaling a total of 58.5 acres. These are the lots you see to your right when you pull into the school’s driveway; including the southeastern bank of Fell Lake. It’s a really serene setting and very much complements what we’ve all come to love about our Sagamore Hills location. By controlling this land we control our growth and our destiny. It’s very exciting!
How did the idea come about and what was your process?
Susan: The idea is actually not a new one. Adding this property completes the original vision so many of us had when we acquired the Sagamore Hills land nearly 20 years ago. It’s a long-time dream come true! Back then we all knew these additional parcels would be amazing to have. However, the timing was never right for either the families who owned the properties or the school.
During a strategic planning retreat in 2019, because the school had been thriving, we decided it was finally time to further our reach. This included looking into purchasing additional land. A working group was formed to not just look into this property, but to consider other options as well. The group included real estate and financial professionals who could really examine what would make the most sense. Through those conversations, months of hard work, and the group’s due diligence, the stars aligned and we were able to purchase this acreage we’ve always loved.
What are the next steps now that Lawrence owns the land?
Rob: Our next step is to assess the current structures located on these lots to make a determination on the best course of action. We may very well create a clean canvas for future builds. The Board and Lawrence’s leadership team will begin working on future planning for the school, which will inform our long-term plans.
Jill: We’ve discussed many options about what this land could one day become. Nothing will happen immediately of course—chances are another capital campaign will grow out of planning sessions. It’s really an exhilarating time to be part of the Lawrence community.
These kids—their personal growth and futures—is what it’s all about. We’re expanding the property, but we’re also expanding their possibilities and pride!
How did the Board raise the funds needed for this purchase during a global pandemic?
Susan: It’s a great question because conventional wisdom would say raising money during a pandemic would be difficult. And when we set our sights on expanding the campus, we had no idea what challenges the next 18 months would bring. However, because of the mission and vision of Lawrence School, and because of the deep engagement and passion of the Board and closely held constituents, it truly wasn’t hard. This property means so much to all of us and we just knew it had to be done for the future of the school. Jill and I spoke from our hearts when we approached potential donors and this actually turned out to be the easiest campaign I’ve ever been a part of!
Jill: One thing that made a big difference is that 100% of the school’s trustees made gifts to this campaign. They understood that property is the foundation for future growth. Without property, there could be no brick and mortar—the land creates the possibilities.
Rob: Can I add something here? It’s important to note that Jill and Susan (and their families) personally stepped up and made leadership-level gifts. And then they took it a step further by motivating others with promises to match their giving. You can’t overestimate the impact of this kind of leadership, generosity, and passion.
What excites you most about this opportunity for the school?
Jill: What excites me most is what this property will eventually mean for our students. These kids—their personal growth and futures—is what it’s all about. We’re expanding the property, but we’re also expanding their possibilities and pride!