Arthur Sussman, General Counsel for the University of Chicago, has been an ex-officio member of the Laboratory Schools Board of Directors since its reorganization in 1985. He and his wife have two children, Eric, '87, and Johanna, '92, who are graduates of the Schools. In the following dialogue, he discusses the relationship between the Schools and the University and the changes that he has seen since he began serving on the Board.
What does an ex-officio member of the Board do?
I am the University officer who is responsible for overseeing the Lab Schools and for supporting the Lab Schools. While I have these special administrative responsibilities as a Board member, I view myself as having the same role as other Board membersÑto provide policy guidance and support for the Schools.
How do you define the relationship between the University and the Schools?
The Lab Schools are a part of the University, the way academic departments and administrative units are part of the University. What is different is that the Trustees of the University have asked a group of individuals to serve as a board for the Laboratory Schools. The Trustees delegated to the Laboratory Schools Board of Directors the responsibility to select a Director and to provide focused governance, policy attention, and overall support to the Schools. The Board of Directors must carry out its responsibilities in the context of being a part of the University.
How does this distinction play out in the work of the Schools?
Certainly the Lab Schools, as part of the University, have advantages and administrative support that a free-standing independent school would not have. This includes facilities assistance, benefits, payroll, and, on occasion, use of the legal office. The Schools also have an obligation - as do all units - to follow the policies of the University regarding personnel, payroll, and budgeting.
Could you point to some examples of how the Lab Schools have benefited from being part of the University?
While there are administrative advantages for the Lab Schools, the value of being located on and being part of this campus cannot be overstated. There are opportunities for Lab Schools students to work in University laboratories, to take courses at the University, to use the library system . . . to be part of the excitement.
What advantages does the University gain from having the Laboratory Schools on campus?
The Lab Schools are one of several first-rate educational institutions in Hyde Park. It is important for the University that Hyde Park be a place where University faculty and staff want to live. The Lab Schools are important to University families and to others who live in the community. The Schools support the UniversityÕs mission by providing an excellent education for the children of the University and larger Hyde Park community - and, in fact, for children from throughout the metropolitan area.
Can you tell me more about tuition and the benefit that University employees receive?
One of the questions that I frequently get is whether the Lab Schools charge less tuition to the children of University employees. The Laboratory Schools do not charge less tuition to University employees. Unless a student receives need-based financial aid from the Schools, the Lab Schools receive full tuition for every student. University faculty and staff receive - as an employment benefit - a stipend from the University to help them pay Laboratory Schools tuition for their children, but the Lab Schools still receive full tuition for each enrolled student.
What can you tell me about the Schools' commitment to diversity?
The Schools have always been proud of the diversity of their students and teachers. For a number of parents, this commitment to diversity is a vital part of their decision to choose the Schools for their children. It is a core value of the Schools and one to which the Board has been most attentive. It is an important part of the Lab Schools experience.
How have things changed at Lab since you've been on the Board?
The Lab Schools have been very fortunate in the dedication of both its Board members and the parents. We've had four chairs of the Laboratory Schools Board with whom I've worked - Harold Richman, the founding chair; Paula Wolff; David Mosena; and now, Susan Sher. All of them, while different in their approaches, have been devoted and hard-working in their commitment to the Schools. The Schools also have been fortunate in the strength and stability of their Director over the last decade. Over the last 15 years, I have seen growth in the number of students and in the educational programs, including support for students with different learning styles and learning abilities. I've seen amazing growth in the support of parents and members of the community for the Laboratory Schools. As witness to that is the recent opening of the new Kovler Gymnasium as well as the other improvements made possible by the Campaign for the Athletic Complex. Earlier we had similar efforts that resulted in the new Middle School building and the improvements to the libraries. More to come! Parents care about the education of their children and recognize that these Schools are special. So it's been a time when the Laboratory Schools have grown and prospered. They have been recognized as first rate, not only in this community, but also throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.