The Episcopal School of Dallas Parents’ Association (ESDPA) has given a $2 million gift to further the academic excellence of ESD students by endowing the Associate Head of School position as part of ESD 2030 strategic plan.
“We are grateful to the Parents’ Association for this generous gift,” said David Baad, Hobson Family Head of School at The Episcopal School of Dallas. “By endowing the position of Associate Head of School, the Parents’ Association is ensuring we will have strong leadership for generations to come. This gift also affirms the important role Ruth Burke has had at ESD. The position is significant to our culture, the partnership with the Parents’ Association, and the development of future leaders.”
Burke has served at ESD since 1997 and oversees admissions, communications, community culture, and strategic initiatives. Among her many accomplishments, Burke oversaw the building of the lower school, a $36 million endeavor, delivering the project on time and on budget. ESD’s staff, upper school students, and Parents’ Association recently recognized Burke and presented a commemorative gold name badge marking the occasion during the Upper School Awards ceremony.
The ESDPA committee that discussed and ultimately chose to endow this position was led by Maria Link and included April Cook, Ginny Searcy, Lauren Swann, Ellen Carrie, Stephanie Logan ‘87, and Mary Beth Weinberger.
“The Parents’ Association is pleased to lead the way in growing ESD’s endowment with this $2 million gift,” said Maria Link, ESDPA’s 2022-23 President. “We are thrilled to show our support of our beloved ESD with this significant contribution and to honor the role of Ruth Burke in strengthening our community.”
This is a gift from the community for the greater community and directly supports ESD2030, the strategic plan approved by the ESD Board of Directors on May 4, 2023. This plan focuses on three vital components: great educators in every facet of school life, ESDistinction – a curriculum of purpose, and investment in our community.
“I can’t begin to express how meaningful it is for the role and work of the Associate Head of School position to be honored in this way,” said Ruth Burke, ESDPA Associate Head of School. “The ESD Parents’ Association lifts up our school community every single day. I have been blessed to work alongside the ESDPA and our amazing volunteers over the years and have felt the tremendous strength and impact of their partnership. This endowment ensures the school-parent partnership will continue to flourish in the future. What an amazing gift for ESD that makes an impact today and to all of those who come after us.”
This is the second gift of $2 million from the ESDPA, who also gifted a total of $2 million for the Wellness Center and named the Dining Commons, which brings students together for meals, community meetings, club gatherings, and other special events. In total, the Parents’ Association has donated more than $15 million in support of the school.
The Episcopal School of Dallas is situated on 42 acres in the heart of Dallas for students beginning at three years old through 12th grade. The college preparatory school is led by a nationally-recognized faculty and complemented by a full array of artistic and athletic programs, daily worship, outdoor experiences, and opportunities to lead and serve others. ESD is a member of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. For more information on ESD, visit esdallas.org.