 Gail Crane Named 2018
John Batley Award Recipient
April 26, 2018 - One of the traditional highlights of the PAISBOA Annual Meeting is the presentation of the John Batley Award, our highest honor. A former CFO of Westtown School, recipient of the Visionary Award, and the man for whom the John Batley Award was created, John’s legacy is one of selfless giving and inclusion in PAISBOA. We celebrate his character, competence, and consistency each year with the selection of the John Batley Award winner.
For 2018, the John Batley Award was presented to
Gail Crane of The Quaker School of Horsham.
As a Board Member, Business Officer, and advocate for children with special needs, Gail Crane exemplifies the many qualities which make her the perfect candidate for PAISBOA’s highest honor, the John Batley Award. In June 2018, Gail will complete her 28th year of service as a Business Officer for three Independent Schools: Greene Street Friends School, Hill Top Preparatory School, and most recently, The Quaker School at Horsham. During this time, she also served two separate terms totaling 8 years as a Board Member of PAISBOA and in the last 4 years she has also served as a member of the Purchasing Consortium Steering Committee.
A firm believer in the “all for one, one for all” mantra of PAISBOA, Gail is particularly proud of her role and influence in the choice of the geese formation as a theme in PAISBOA’s logo in 2002.
 An avid reader, Gail could easily be described as a lifelong learner, with a BA from Temple University, an MS From St. Joseph’s University, and her SPHR–SHRM-SCP Certification in Human Resource Management. She is a regular participant in local professional development programs with PAISBOA and ADVIS, and has great interest in any topic related to school culture, high performing schools, and risk management. Beyond the business and finance related programs, Gail has a passion for learning about how she can help make schools safe places for all learners and support both kids and adults in school communities.
In addition to her service to PAISBOA, Gail has served as a Board Member and Treasurer of PIBDA, the PA Branch of the International Dyslexia Association for many years. A nonprofit organization that champions individuals with dyslexia and promotes learning to read for all students aligns with Gail’s passion for helping others.
Carol Lerner of the Philadelphia School had this to say about Gail in her nomination letter, “Ever the champion for small schools, Gail has been a devoted PAISBOA contributor and Board Member ever since I have been involved in the organization.”
A tribute to Gail’s enduring spirit and commitment, Ruth Joray, who was the Head of School at the Quaker School at Horsham from 2005-2015, shared, “I am so pleased that Gail is being honored by PAISBOA. No one could deserve it more! Talk about a work ethic – that’s Gail. Talk about ethical work- that’s Gail.”
Alex Brosowsky, current Head of School, in expressing his regret for not being able to attend the today’s meeting, asked that his sentiments be shared in the program.
“Gail has selflessly dedicated herself to The Quaker School at Horsham (TQS). I can say confidently that TQS may very well not exist any longer had Gail not brought her financial acumen to the school and the board's decision-making. Gail joined TQS when its building was being built and shortly before the crash of 2008. She helped the school navigate these turbulent times, professionalized the business office, and today TQS is a financially healthy and sustainable school due to her hard work.”
We thank Gail for her dedication and commitment to the independent school community through her work with small schools, and her board service to PAISBOA and PIBDA. As one of the early members of PAISIG and then PAISBOA, Gail was instrumental in the growth and development of the association, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for her unwavering devotion to our member schools. We wish her well as she begins a new chapter in her life with more time to spend in her role as a mother of two fine sons and two grandchildren. We know she will also enjoy a little more time for painting and traveling with her husband Tom. Bon voyage, Gail!
|
