Science & Arts Academy Board of Trustees Appoints
Conrad Wildsmith as Next Head of School
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Dear SAA Community,
The Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce the appointment of Conrad Wildsmith as SAA’s next Head of School, beginning July 1, 2024. The Board unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation to appoint Conrad as Head of School, following a nine-month search process that included voices from our students, families, faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees.
Conrad completed undergraduate studies at St. Louis University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in education. Conrad’s passion for gifted education is a deeply personal mission that began when he discovered he was raising a gifted child. His desire to further educate himself led to his pursuit of a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Missouri.
Conrad brings a proven record in school leadership with ten years of experience as a Head of School in both international and traditional programs. Additionally, Conrad has served as an instructor of gifted students, has planned and implemented advanced curriculum for gifted students, and has led professional development for teachers on differentiated instruction.
During Conrad’s visit to SAA, his enthusiasm for our school’s mission was palpable and noted by many members of the SAA community. Sentiments shared with us during his visit included:
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Conrad first served as Head of School at The French School in St. Louis, then brought Austin International School through a transition in leadership, before taking on the Head of School role at Bay Farm Montessori in Duxbury, Massachusetts, until 2023. Under his leadership, Bay Farm saw a 42% increase in enrollment and earned a successful American Montessori Society accreditation. Currently, Conrad is serving as Interim Head of School at the Lucy School in Frederick, Maryland, leading the charge transitioning the school to a not-for-profit status before he joins us this summer.
Conrad's partner Kristen works in public policy and their son Eric is a chef at Alinea in Chicago. An avid distance runner, Conrad has participated in dozens of marathons, including running the iconic Chicago Marathon multiple times. He also enjoys working in mixed media, hiking with his beloved dogs, trail running, and traveling.
The Board would like to thank the entire community who enthusiastically participated in this critical selection process and provided such important feedback. We would also like to thank the members of the Search Committee for their extraordinary service and dedication.
We are pleased to share this news first with our SAA community, followed by a public announcement on the school website and on social media this Thursday.
We know you will join us in congratulating Conrad and welcoming him, along with his wife Kristen, to the SAA community!
Sincerely,
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Kirsten Bedway
Chair, SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
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Head of School Search Committee |
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Bert Gutierrez-Wynne, Chair: Vice Chair, SAA Board of Trustees, Current Parent
Mark Anderson: Recording Secretary, SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
Steve Bayer: Teacher, Team Leader, Current Parent
Kirsten Bedway: Chair, SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
Sarah Bright: SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
Michelle Gueguen: Teacher, Team Leader
Mindy Hildebrandt: Director of Enrollment Management
Chirag Shah: Alumni Parent, past SAA Board of Trustees, past Chair, Finance Committee
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