Preparing for a Search
A thoughtful preparation for search can clear the path for a successful long-term hire.
There is no more important job for Boards of independent schools than hiring the Head of School. This singular responsibility must be carried out with the utmost care, clear-eyed thinking about the needs of the school, depth of inquiry, and keen insight. No task is more complex or more impactful for the future of the school.
Boards typically form search committees and hire search consultants to assist with this critical work, but we believe that there are significant questions that Boards should ask of themselves before committees are formed and search firms are identified. SSL does not conduct searches, but we are available for one-day sessions with Boards to address issues which will inform the selection of the search firm and the outcome of the search itself.
In June of 2019, NAIS sent a survey to all member schools entitled “Factors Affecting Head of School Turnover.” 31% of all respondents reported that their school had seen three or more heads over the past 10 years. Leadership transitions, even when planned, can have a profound effect on the school community; too frequent shifts in leadership are not healthy for a school. A thoughtful preparation for search can clear the path for a successful long-term hire.