The Bissell family made an extraordinary $4.5 million gift to continue their longstanding tradition of supporting our exceptional faculty and staff by adding substantial support for the Margaret E. Gragg Endowment for Faculty Professional Development and the Bissell Faculty Salary Endowment funds, bringing these funds' combined balances to $10 million.
These endowments will ensure that Country Day is able to attract and retain a diverse and passionate faculty and staff and that our greatest assets—our teachers—are provided ample opportunities for professional growth.
This exceptional gift, from Margaret Gragg Bissell and Smoky Bissell, Howard '86 and Stephanie Bissell, Barbara Hallow '83, James (J.J.) Bissell '88, Cary Bissell Sherck '82 and Michael Sherck, helps bring to life the collective vision shaped by our strategic plan.
Additionally, the Bissell family will honor the exceptional life and legacy of the late Sara Harris Bissell '56 by naming the welcome area in the future John and Claudia Belk Upper School Learning Center in her memory. Sara's love for Country Day ran deep, and we are pleased to have a permanent space to honor her legacy and leadership. Support of the welcome area augments the cornerstone elements of an integrated plan to update Country Day's Cannon Campus and position our school for the future.
"The Bissell family's incredible support further strengthens the love of learning that our faculty and staff inspire in our students and also helps affirm community through a warm and welcoming space on our updated Cannon Campus. We are deeply grateful to the Bissell family for their unwavering devotion to Country Day students, faculty, and staff."
Todd Gorelick '82, Chair, Board of Trustees and Mark Reed, Head of School