Pinpoints Summer 2019 OLD | Page 13

committees their parents did. It’s no surprise that TLS has continued to be successful.” Mrs. Susan O’Brien, The Lexington School’s next CFO, has worked closely with Bob since January, her desk across the office from his, her footsteps beside his on daily campus rounds during ONE School construction. Their solid collaboration has led her to observe: “Part of Bob’s silent legacy is that he has guided the financial well-being of this school. He has shepherded it through highs and lows, both administratively and financially. His integrity is unquestioned. The fundamentals of what he does need to be preserved. I have the utmost respect for Bob.” Bob speaks honestly when he says, “What I’ll miss most about The Lexington School is this second family I’ve had for the last 35 years, the laughter, the accomplishments, the sadness we’ve shared, the stories about our children and the heartfelt caring about the well-being of each other.” Bob’s Lexington School family offers a collective and robust thank you as he and wife, Sharon, strike the balance of enjoying time with their seven grandchildren, days at the lake, and road trips to a long list of places. TLS board members, current and former, celebrate Bob Thompson (H’19) at the Apiary. From David Lowry, Ph.D. (H’00); Headmaster 1985 - 1995 Bob had come to TLS the year before I was appointed Headmaster. We hit it off immediately, despite the fact that we came from pretty different backgrounds. I always felt Bob respected my judgment and would help me achieve the goals that needed accomplishing at that time in the school’s journey. And I knew Bob was incredibly competent and straightforward. Beyond that, we shared senses of humor and perspective. Our relationship was cemented in absolute honesty and trust. We both knew our roles, and never crossed into the other’s areas of expertise. We were mutually supportive, something that is essential at the top level of leadership in an independent school. Experts tell us the most important relationship in an independent school is between the Head of School and the board chair. While that may be true, on a day-to-day basis of getting things done, the most important relationship is between the Head of School and the business manager. Thank you, Bob, for being the best partner I could ever have. “Our relationship was cemented in absolute honesty and trust. We both knew our roles, and never crossed into the other’s areas of expertise.” — David Lowry, Former Headmaster 11