Annual Report 2025-2026 - Oakwood School

Oakwood School
2025-2026 Report

2025–26 was a year of growth, discovery, and new possibilities at Oakwood School. Our students embraced opportunities to learn, create, and collaborate both at school and beyond…

A letter from Head of School, Jaime A. Dominguez

As trustees, one of our most important responsibilities is to think about that future—to ensure that Oakwood remains financially strong, true to its mission, and able to provide an exceptional experience for generations of students to come. Philanthropy is an important part of making that possible. No single family builds a school community. We build it together.

A letter from Board of Trustees, Chair, John Jones

Like a big Oakwood hug, you helped create the energy, possibility, and sense of belonging that shape the memories our students carry with them as alumni. Oakwood is more than a place; it is also a feeling that starts the moment you arrive on campus and grows through the relationships and daily experiences that make our community so uniquely Oakwood. Your time, talent, and resources made 2025–2026 a year full of joyful experiences and meaningful opportunities for our students. We are grateful for you.

Nancy Leptuch Virrey, Director of Advancement

Everyone counts. Everyone matters. Everything you do or contribute helps to preserve the mission of our school and the legacy of the families that have built this community from the beginning. Our community is a beautiful example of maintaining one’s identity while working with others and celebrating theirs. From connecting with so many Oakwood families, I have witnessed that Oakwood meets your child where they are at and empowers them to celebrate and strengthen who they are. As parents, we also have numerous opportunities to model that for them through our own contributions with passion and joy! Serving as the PGO president was the greatest gift given to me as an Oakwood parent.

The hearts and minds of the past, present, and future families show up in this place. Oakwood encourages and strengthens our children to be who they are in the world. To be seen and heard is a beautiful thing that we can give to our children in partnership with this school. Serving on the PGO has deepened my trust, gratitude, and hope for the future and I am proud to have my children grow up in this enriching and empowering environment.

Yukilynn Smith, Parent & Guardian Organization President
Lake ’35 and Violet ’37

Returning to Oakwood as Alumni Council Chair is a deeply personal way to honor the environment that shaped who I am today. Oakwood provided far more than an exceptional education—it gave me a foundation of lifelong friendships, instilled a strong work ethic, and helped to pave the path for my professional career. What makes serving today so rewarding is seeing how the school has stayed true to its core mission and values, even as it continues to evolve and advance in critical ways. I originally joined the Alumni Council before I had children, and experiencing Oakwood now as a parent to a current 6th and 2nd grader makes that connection even more special, bridging my own cherished memories with the experiences of our students today.

I am especially grateful for how our alumni community stays actively engaged, whether through welcoming student representatives onto the Council or hosting on-campus Lunch & Learn sessions that forge meaningful, real-world connections between current students and alumni. I give back because I am profoundly grateful for everything this community afforded me. Thank you for your continued involvement, and I want to ensure that legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

Katie A. Gurvitz ’02, Alumni Council Chair
Shane ’33 and Harper ’37

Financials

Revenues

$

TUITION & FEES 89.5%
ANNUAL FUND 5.1%
FUNDING FROM ENDOWMENT 3.0%
INVESTMENT INCOME 2.1%
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 0.2%

Expenditures

$

SALARIES & BENEFITS 54.8%
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 13.3%
INSTRUCTIONAL & TECHNOLOGY 12.3%
FACILITIES & CAMPUS OPERATIONS 10.2%
ADMINISTRATION & ADVANCEMENT 5.0%
OTHER (DEPRECIATION, CONTINGENCY) 4.3%

$

Total Philanthropic Support

Capital Fund Contributions

$4,943,275

Unrestricted Annual Fund Contributions

$2,659,837

Endowed Funds Contributions

$664,259

Designated Annual Fund Contributions

$150,210

Our Endowed Funds

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who, throughout Oakwood’s rich history, have established endowed funds, thereby securing our enduring growth and prosperity well into the future. Our gratitude also extends to the generous contributors who continue to nurture and strengthen these funds, extending their impact.

Anita and Stanley Hirsh Minority Scholarship Fund

Anita and Stanley Hirsh established this fund in 1978 to provide financial assistance for students from under-served populations.

Arpita and Brian Diamond Sustainability Fund

Arpital and Brian Diamond established this endowment in 2021 to provide funds in support of sustainability initiatives at Oakwood School.

The Charles & Emilie Haas Fund

Created in 1999 By the Board of Trustees to honor founding parents, Charles and Emilie Haas, this fund provides general operating support.

David Pianko ’95 Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ira & Robin Pianko established this fund in 1996 in memory of their son David. This fund provides financial assistance for qualified students.

Gregg Wasserman Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in 1980 in memory of Gregg Wasserman and provides financial assistance for qualified students.

Howard Kremen ’73 Memorial Fund, A Dance Endowment

This fund, established by the late Sam and Anita Kremen, in honor of their son Howard, supports the Dance Department.

James Alan Astman Endowment for Teaching & Learning

This fund has been established to honor Oakwood’s revered Headmaster of 40 years and to sustain Jim’s influence on his colleagues’ professional growth and development.

Jessica Ryan Endowment for Education

Created in 2022 by Sandy & Cheyney EC ’59 to preserve and promote Oakwood’s philosophy and model of progressive education that emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity, human rights, and peace in the spirit of founder Jessica Ryan.

Lily Burk Fund

Established in 2009 by Deborah Drooz and Gregory Burk in memory of their daughter, Lily, this fund provides general operating support.

The Margo Long Fund for Financial Assistance

Contributions to this endowment fund help to ensure the socioeconomic diversity of our school population.

Melody Joy Finnestad ’82 Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Charity Finnestad and Robert Kondrk established this endowment in 2018 to provide financial assistance to qualified students at Oakwood.

Michael Bancroft Goth ’83 Scholarship Fund

This endowment, established by the late Bettina Bancroft in memory of her son, provide income for financial assistance programs.

O.N.E. (Oakwood New Students Endowment)

Established by the Oakwood Alumni Association in 2010, this endowment provides financial assistance to new secondary school students, which will help ensure the socio-economic diversity of the school.

The Phyllis L. Gottlieb Endowment for the Arts

The Phyllis L. Gottlieb Endowment for the Arts supports Oakwood’s visual and performing arts departments. The Board established this fund in Phyllis’ memory and in appreciation for her four decades of loving devotion to the school. As an Oakwood trustee, parent, and grandparent, Phyllis championed the visual and performing arts. Her countless visionary contributions to our campuses will benefit students for generations to come.

Rafelson Scholarship Fund

In order to support minority students, this endowment was created in 1974 in memory of Julie Rafelson, 1964-1973.

Scholarship Endowment Fund

Augments the school’s financial assistance budget and helps to ensure the socioeconomic diversity of our school population.

Volunteers

Donors

With immense gratitude to the supporters of the Class of 2026 Senior Class Gift!