Discovering the Facts of Cherokee Creek Boys School

In an effort to create clarity, we would like to restate recent events and also share that over the next 4-6 weeks we will be sending a "state of Cherokee Creek" email update weekly to those of you who know us best and have been our advocates over the years.

RESTRUCTURING:

Last spring our Board of Directors began to strategize ways to counter-balance the shortfalls we anticipated experiencing due to lagging enrollment that was occurring due to the economy. In September, we received a real blow from the State of South Carolina when our capacity was lowered from 42 to 32 students. At that time, we saw both the challenge and the opportunity of making a structure change that would offset some of the economic challenge and position us for the future growth that we plan for the school.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ELIMINATE THE CLINICAL DIRECTOR POSITION?

As we reviewed our current operations and our organizational chart, we evaluated every staff position. We look at both the function of each position and looked for redundancy. The only position that could be cut without impacting direct care services to students was the Clinical Director position.

Unlike many programs, our Clinical Director was functioning more like a program director having oversight of three departments...academics, clinical and counseling.

We chose to "flatten" the organization to prepare for future growth and to create a leader in each department. By doing so, we also created the opportunity for greater representation of all staff on the leadership team and stronger integration of our program among departments.

We recognize that this is an a-traditional model, but it is one that works well for us. It promotes the transfer of information between departments and also supports our vision of an "integrated curriculum" which is not solely academic but one that teaches values and lessons throughout the environment.

DOES THIS MEAN YOU ARE CHANGING YOUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY?

Not at all. We are still the "small school with a big heart" and the place "where boys can be boys." With a new academic dean coming on board we are looking forward to strengthening our academic program to complement the strength we currently have in our clinical and counseling departments.

ARE YOU WEAKENING YOUR CLINICAL PROGRAM?

No. Before our changes, we had clinical director who did not have a caseload and three licensed clinicians. We now have three licensed clinicians. Jane Barker serves as the Manager of Clinical Services and has a caseload of up to 11 students.

HAVE YOU LOST THE NURTURING "MOTHER" FIGURE?

While it is not in anyone's job description, the ability to foster a nurturing environment is a sought after expression in every staff. There are many current people who offer this energy and we seek this same essence in the new staff we are interviewing and recruiting.

WHAT IS YOUR ANTICIPATED GROWTH PLAN?

We have been looking at property to move the school, but have not moved forward on this endeavor at this time. Our goal would be to buy a property with some infrastructure in place, build a new bunkhouse that meets current codes and standards and grow to a capacity of 60 students.

Our future plans would include the addition of a Program Director and a Clinical Director when we can increase our capacity beyond 32 students.

IS CCBS CLOSING?

NO! We are not closing and have never had plans to close. In fact, we are growing. The restructuring of the school has resulted in many improvements. We are adding elements to the program and continue to work towards our vision of being the best therapeutic boarding school for middle-school boys.

WHAT WAS THE ATTRITION AT THE SCHOOL?

In letting go of our previous Clinical Director, Sharon Stricker, we grieved the loss of a friend and colleague who was a mentor to many members of our staff. Those closest to Sharon, including Betsy Deane, have decided to part ways with Cherokee Creek and continue their journey together in a currently undisclosed venture. We wish them all the best and appreciate their contributions to the school.

WHAT INTERVIEWS ARE IN PROGRESS?

We are interviewing to replace a therapist, primary counselor, and teacher at this time. In this process, we are also feeling the energy jolt of new opportunity and expanded potential. We have many qualified candidates for each position-from within the school and from the local community, and will be announcing our selections as they occur in the next week or two.

HOW ARE THE BOYS AND THEIR FAMILIES?

Our first priority is always the health and safety of our students. Our boys have, as usual, been our greatest teachers. They have demonstrated great resilience and openness during these changes - and, of course, they handle changes every day both in their own lives and within the dynamics of enrollments and graduations with their school "family."

Our Family Seminar last week was dedicated to responding to any concerns of families about our changes. It was wonderful to have face-to-face time to answer questions, listen to feedback, and address concerns. Several of our business folks expressed that they have experienced many of the same challenges...organizational changes as a response to the economy and attrition of those who did not like the changes or felt it was time to move on. We felt very confirmed by their responses and hope that those of you who have families at CCBS are hearing the same support for the school.

IN CLOSING:

We are poised for an exciting future at Cherokee Creek and have our sights set on the path ahead. Please know how important it is to me and the entire staff at Cherokee Creek that we are available to discuss these changes with you. You can contact me directly at the school or get in touch with our Admissions Director, Shaler Black Cooper. Shaler's direct line is 864-710-8183 and she can be reached via email at scooper@cherokeecreek.net. It is likely you will be getting a call or visit from Shaler soon. You might also be hearing from Beth Venable, our Marketing and Communications Director who is also interested in connecting with you and discovering what communication style works best for you.

Please feel free to call me at any time if you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts. I may be reached by phone at 864-647-1885 or by email at dlepere@cherokeecreek.net.

Cherokee Creek Boys School is a therapeutic boarding school for middle-school boys ages 11- 15 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Westminster, South Carolina. It is "the small school with a big heart" that struggling young boys come to discover a sense of hope and optimism for their future.