RG175 Blog

In my last blog entry I discussed the pros and cons of closed vs. open searches. Though certainly critical to the outcome of the search, the paradigm of closed versus open misses a larger point—the consultant’s important role in helping the search committee identify real leaders. Although search com... read more

Process and outcomes are inextricably linked. This maxim is clearly demonstrated in the most important job of an independent school board of trustees—selecting a head of school. Before identifying a consultant, the board should discuss the merits of a closed search versus an open search, two very di... read more

Published originally in Independent School Magazine, Fall, 2016The statistics are alarming. According to Marc Levinson, Executive Director of MISBO, in his study “Evaluating the Head of School Transition” from 2009 to 2014 there have been 102 head transitions out of about 160 schools in Florida. For... read more

In an earlier article, “The Bias That Inflicts Head of School Search Committees,” I detailed the kinds of prejudices that influence decision-making as schools search for new Heads. These prejudices extend across all human decision-making and have been written about extensively, most notably by Nobel... read more

Over the past year I have read almost one hundred resumes from candidates applying for Head of School positions and many suffer from a common resume malady. By listing responsibilities and detailing jobs such as supervising faculty, being a part of the administrative team, and attending trustee meet... read more

The accelerating retirement of baby boomer heads and the enrollment pressures many schools have been facing since the Great Recession present a significant challenge for independent school trustees as they select new heads to guide their schools in uncertain times.Many search consultants think that... read more