The Salisbury School (TSS) has launched the Campaign for the Lower School, a $1.2 million effort to renovate and modernize its Lower School building, the first meaningful updates to the facility since the school’s founding in 1970. With more than $811,000 raised to date, the campaign has already garnered strong support from alumni, faculty, and community members who share a long-standing connection to the school and its mission.
The renovation preserves the Lower School’s original footprint and character while refreshing the spaces where TSS students have learned, played, and grown for more than five decades. Updates include new flooring, new paint, and thoughtful improvements to classrooms, the library, the art barn, the tunnel, and other common spaces, all designed to better serve today’s learners while honoring what has always made TSS special.
“Before we touched anything, we asked why it was done that way in the first place,” said Dr. Andrea Vandiver, Head of Lower School and Assistant Head of School. “This school was built with intention, and it was our responsibility to honor that.”
Dr. Vandiver and Head of School Mr. Clay Elliott made consulting the school’s founders a priority from the outset, a reflection of the care and deliberateness that has guided every decision in the renovation process. The result is a project that honors what makes TSS special while creating spaces that better serve today’s students.
“This campaign represents an important investment in the future of our school and in the students we are privileged to serve,” said Gil Allen, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It reflects a clear and ambitious vision: to provide an exceptional educational experience while ensuring that our facilities and resources support the way students will learn, grow, and lead for generations to come. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity and commitment are helping turn that vision into reality.”
A Community of Supporters The campaign has been driven by the generosity of TSS families, alumni, and longtime friends of the school. Named gifts to date include: The Library – sponsored by the Meeks family, in honor of Mrs. Margy Meeks, who served as the school librarian for 17 years. Her sons, Andrew (Class of 1996) and Adam (Class of 1999), are both TSS alumni, and her grandchildren now attend the Lower School. The Art Barn – sponsored by Casey (Class of 1995) and Chris Smith, in honor of beloved grandparents and TSS founders. The Tunnel – sponsored by Chris (Class of 2001, the school’s first graduating class) and Chrissy Perdue, whose children currently attend TSS. Early Childhood Center – sponsored by Pohanka of Salisbury. 4th Grade Classroom – sponsored by the Allen/Dyer family, in tribute to Richard and Nancy Allen. Mrs. Ann Allen formerly taught in the Upper School; Mr. Richard Allen and Mr. Gil Allen both previously served as Board Chair; their daughter Kate now teaches English and Music at TSS; and their son Gil currently serves as Board Chair. Classroom – sponsored by Carlos and Gea Ayala, in honor of beloved teacher Kathy Hensley.
The Myers Family Foundation served as the campaign’s Trailblazer Donor, launching the effort and inspiring the giving that has followed. Naming Opportunities Remain The Salisbury School invites members of its community to create a lasting legacy through remaining naming opportunities, including classrooms and the science wing. Gifts of all sizes are welcome.
A full range of donor giving levels, from Beacon ($4,999 and under) to Visionary ($200,000 and above), recognizes the contributions that together make this transformation possible. Ribbon Cutting at Open House & All-School Picnic – September 3, 2026 The community is invited to celebrate the completion of the Lower School renovation at TSS’s Open House and All-School Picnic on Wednesday, September 3, 2026. The Lower School reveal will take place at 4:00 pm, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:15 pm. All are welcome to join in marking this milestone moment for the school and the families who made it possible.
How to Support the Campaign To learn more, pledge support, or request a tour of the renovated classrooms, visit www.thesalisburyschool.org/support/campaign or contact Head of School Clay Elliott at clelliott@thesalisburyschool.org.
To learn more about The Salisbury School or schedule a visit, contact Director of Admissions Gail Carozza at 410-742-4464 ext. 123 or visit www.thesalisburyschool.org.
ABOUT THE SALISBURY SCHOOL: The Salisbury School is an independent K-12 college preparatory school, fostering a vibrant community of learners dedicated to helping each student achieve their full potential through an experiential, college-bound curriculum. Our holistic approach nurtures compassionate and confident individuals, empowering them to thrive as global citizens. Guided by a philosophy of self-improvement and genuine achievement, The Salisbury School instills a love of learning and encourages students to embrace the world with inspired imaginations and a strong sense of inner conviction.
