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Lizsecundy@aol.com
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Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Hurster, Tom" <tomhurster@benchmarkschool.org>
> Date: August 8, 2017 at 10:42:04 PM EDT
> To: Liz Secundy <Lizsecundy@aol.com>
> Cc: Robb Gaskins <robbgaskins@benchmarkschool.org>
> Subject: A speaking engagement with the Biden's and Lilly's tuition
>
> Liz- I am writing, leaving for 21/2 weeks, for a much anticipated, annual vacation In Maine tomorrow. Robb is also on vacation so I am not sure how the timing of all this will work, but I am available by email.
>
> I was so glad to get your text message and to hear that my idea might actually be doable.
>
> You wrote "all good, but I need some specifics" which I took to mean that you had spoken to either the Vice-President or Dr. Biden (or both) and they were OK with the proposal to wave Lilly's tuition in lieu of their speaking fees, and are willing to present at Benchmark, as I had proposed.
>
> You then asked: "1. does Benchmark want both VP and Dr. B; 2. would one of them suffice/:;3. what's the venue....ex. speaking and reception?; 4. what are they speaking about; 5. are you tying it into the new project?; 6. what is the project again?; 7. are you the point of contact?; 8. can I give them/their staff your numbers; 9. what do you need on my end to convince the board of all this? (I am reiterating you questions verbatim for Robb to view, and perhaps share with the Board- I am such a technological naif that I don't know how to forward a text message).
>
> These are all good questions to which there aren't yet firm answers, and all are subject to discussion/negotiation . I had originally imagined an evening in our Performing Arts Center (which as you know is a state of the art venue and seats 300) wherein a moderator or two would lead a discussion with Dr. Biden (a recognized leading educator with a national profile) and the former Vice President (a leading politician, of great popularity, who has been interested in education issues his entire career, and who still seems to want to "stay in the game"), about the current challenges for American education and what the future may hold. I imagined that we might be able to get a prominent local news-person to moderate the discussion, and that attendees would be by invitation/lottery. I thought maybe there would be a brief closed reception for selected guests before the main event which would be maybe 60 minutes, with audience questions, and perhaps a short reception in the front with light refreshments afterwards. I imagined that Dr. Biden would be the primary speaker as an educator, with the VP chiming in and perhaps offering a political perspective. I anticipate their will be significant press coverage of some sort. However the specifics of the topic and format are open to discussion and the preferences of the speakers. I would think we would ideally like both present in some way, but that is not a deal breaker. My thought was it might be more "fun" for them, and we would like to show off Benchmark (and Lilly's school) to both.
>
> The "project" I mentioned is that we are embarking on a Capital Campaign to build an "Innovation Center", to enhance the Benchmark curriculum, and as a multi-disciplinary design and technology center for the use of students. It is connected to another Benchmark initiative, The Benchmark School Center for Empowered Learning: http://www.benchmarkschool.org/resources.
> /center-for-empowered-learning. Two of our esteemed alums, Chris and William Sharples (twins) have expressed a desire to "give back" and are the architectural team behind the project (they are donating their time/team). They are the driving force behind the SHoP Architecture firm in NYC, perhaps best know for the Barclay Center and their work renovating the Manhattan
> waterfront, and were finalists for the Obama Library http://www.shoparc.com/. We of course,are very proud of them, and more than thrilled at their offer and involvement. They credit their Benchmark education for much of their success.
>
> The way these Capital Campaigns work is that you raise a significant amount of the money before you go "public", and I think we already have several potential big donors. Thus the timing of the campaign officially opening is still unclear but will likely be later this Fall With that in mind I was thinking that we would likely want to do something in November/early December, but again this is highly speculative on my part, and certainly subject to discussion.
>
> For the time being I would be the point person, but expect to pretty quickly turn it over to others if this goes forward, although I will remain involved. Certainly the next step is for Robb to take the possibility to the Board, and we would need some official indication from Dr. Biden and the VP as to what they were interested in and available to do, and their response to my "daydream". Mostly I want to figure out a way for Lilly to finish out her 8th grade year with us, and to leave you without a financial burden. I believe this is a win-win-win possibility: exposure for the Biden's at an important time, around an important topic; exposure for Benchmark as we embark on a new chapter in our mission to develop "learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers"; and most important, an opportunity for Lilly to remain with us for another year.
>
> Although I am leaving tomorrow, I will be available by email. Feel free to respond and ask further questions, as well as to forward this to the Biden people. I am not sure how quickly Robb can respond as he is also on vacation for a week. There is, however, a need to move forward quickly for Lilly's sake.
>
> I am optimistic and excited about all the possibilities.
>
> Best,
> Tom
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