I am writing to update you on the Middle School Head search at Columbus Academy and when you can expect to have an opportunity to meet the finalists for the position.
First, though, middle school families should read this letter and these instructions about upcoming parent-student-teacher conferences on September 28-29 because the online scheduler opens at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Regarding the search for a Head of Middle School, we have an exciting pool of well-qualified candidates and a dedicated search advisory committee that has been tireless in its efforts to interview and evaluate these candidates and to select just four to visit our campus as finalists.
The search advisory committee is made up of parents, trustees and faculty. They are Polly Reddy, Tanisha Brown, Ryan Yeoman '90, Joyce Masek, Kevin Reeves, Christine Freytag, Andy Bezant (seventh grade science), Laura Miller (eighth grade social studies), Michelle Platt (seventh grade math and McElroy Chair in Mathematics) and Sonam Shahani (sixth grade language arts).
Finalist visits are an enlivening time in the search process when parents, faculty and staff each get opportunities to meet the candidates and provide feedback. In turn, we want finalists to learn about the school and begin to see our campus and community as a place where they might like to work and live as they determine their interest in the position. It is so important that finalists leave their time with us impressed by the school and its community.
Our four finalists consist of three external candidates in addition to Interim Head of Middle School Bob McGrath as an internal candidate. Each will have the same schedule for visits and interviews.
There are specific times for middle school and fifth grade parents to meet candidates. All of these meetings will be held from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in our dining hall on the dates below. In each meeting, the candidate will describe his or her experience and thoughts on leading a middle school as well as answer questions from the audience.
Candidate 1: September 27
Candidate 2: October 4
Candidate 3: October 6
Candidate 4: October 10
Candidacy for a senior administrative position is a highly confidential endeavor, and you will be receiving dossiers when you arrive for each candidate's time with parents/guardians. In addition, you will be asked to provide immediate feedback on a form included within the dossiers. It is most helpful if you fill it out before you leave campus each meeting day.
I hope you take the chance to be part of this important process.
My best,
Melissa
Melissa Boocock Soderberg
Head of School
