VIS Annual Report 2023-2024 - Report - Page 6
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Vienna International School
Board Chair’s Report
As the Board of the Vienna International School Association (VISA) just approved the
School’s strategic plan for 2025–2029, it is useful to remind ourselves of the purpose
of the Vienna International School (VIS) that drives the strategic planning and decision-making of the Board. VIS was established to promote and provide education
suited to the needs of the international community in Vienna. Today, VIS is home to
115 nationalities and 85 mother tongues within a student body of over 1400 – a truly
international establishment that acts as the ‘school of choice’ for Vienna-based organizations (VBOs) and the diplomatic community.
The Board’s role is to embed this purpose in all decisions it takes in the overall governance of the school, ensuring that VIS is on a solid and healthy financial footing;
has the educational conditions that a modern school of its size and ambition needs;
and operates in an accountable manner. These goals are taken seriously, especially in
these financially challenging times.
Throughout the 2024–25 school year, the Board has been engaged in various strategic
and governance initiatives aimed at securing the sustainable operation of VIS. I am
pleased to use this annual report to highlight some of VISA’s activities over the past
year.
VIS Strategic Plan
The VIS Strategic Plan 2025–2029 focuses on three key areas:
● Improved student outcomes in a world-class educational programme
● Expanding learning support and emphasizing the VIS Culture of Care
● Promoting long-term institutional sustainability and increasing financial transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Land Usage
The Board has been in discussions with the VBOs and the Republic of Austria regarding the terms for the use of the land on which VIS is located. Following the expiry of
the fee-free arrangement in July 2024, VIS has begun paying the land-usage fee, with
reservations, and has made provisions for this in its regular budget.
Staffing Changes
In 2024–2025, VIS experienced several staffing changes, including the planned departure of the current Director and key administrative staff. Following an inclusive
and comprehensive process, the new VIS Director has been selected and is ready and
eager to take VIS to new heights. I wish to thank the staff, parents, and students at
VIS for their contributions to the selection process. Following the hybrid General
Assembly meeting in March 2024, enabled by recent changes to the VISA Statutes,
participation in school governance has returned to previous levels with the re-establishment of several committees.
