Head of School Search

The Board of Trustees is responsible for hiring MCDS’s next Head of School. This is one of the most important roles of the Board of Trustees. The Board will provide input for the desired candidate profile, meet with all finalists, and, acting upon the recommendation of the Search Committee, approve the appointment of the new Head of School.

The Board appointed a Search Committee to oversee the search process on behalf of the Board.  The Search Committee directs the search process from start to finish. The Committee will coordinate input from all of MCDS’s various constituencies: trustees, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, former parents, grandparents and students. The Committee will work in collaboration with our search consultants to organize and manage all aspects of the search. 

The Search Committee and the Board are committed to keep the MCDS community informed and engaged throughout the search process, while respecting the confidentiality of the candidates in the recruitment process.

We have formed a separate advisory committee of the faculty and administrative staff in order to afford broader representation and a unique perspective. The FACC will interview semi-finalists and finalists, and will provide important feedback throughout the process.  

FAAC members include:

Katherine Austen  (2nd/3rd Grade Learning Specialist)     
Noah Cho  (7th/8th Grade English/Advisor)     
Tom Hu  (3rd Grade Teacher)     
Juliet Kletz  (6th Grade Humanities/Advisor)     
Karlyn Adler Malinin (LS Division Head)     
Kyle Redford (5th Grade Teacher)     
Kelly Watson (Director of Communications)     

In addition, the broader faculty and staff community has provided input through in-person meetings with RG175 as well as the community survey, and will have the opportunity to meet the finalists.

The MCDS Board, the Search committee and our consultants value the perspectives and input of all members of the community. Community input will be solicited through the process, with key opportunities to include:

• Participation in the community survey in late August
• In-person meetings  with RG175 in September
• Opportunity to meet with and provide feedback on the three finalists in December

In addition, parents and guardians are encouraged to share their thoughts with the Search Committee via email at hossearch@mcds.org. 
 

The Search Committee interviewed four nationally recognized HoS search advisory firms, eventually selecting the firm RG175, who have committed three top HoS search consultants: Coreen Hester, Debbie Reed, and Tony Featherston—all former school leaders with extensive experience in K-8 Head of School searches, worldwide educational contacts and preexisting knowledge of MCDS. 

RG 175 is providing advice to the Search Committee concerning format, logistics, procedure, and best practices throughout the search process. In particular, key roles include (i) providing advice regarding the search process and timeline, (ii) preparing a Position Statement that summarizes the MCDS Head of School opportunity and the qualities and characteristics of ideal candidates, (iii) sourcing candidates nationally and internationally, (iv) conducting reference checks, (v) supporting the Search Committee in evaluating candidates, and (vi) providing advice to ensure a successful transition.

August/September – RG175 conducted interviews and surveys of the community; Position Statement written and posted

July-October – Candidate communication and recruitment by RG175

October – Candidate application deadline (10/7), semifinalists selected 

November – Semifinalist interviews by Search Committee and the FAAC

December – Finalists (likely three) visit MCDS for interviews and to meet the community; continued reference and background checks performed

December/January – The Search Committee recommends candidate for Board of Trustees approval; new Head of School announced to community

July 1, 2025 - New Head of School begins tenure.

Important note: Search Committee understands that unanticipated issues may arise and is prepared to adjust the above timeline and process if necessary. 
 

The Search Committee will keep the MCDS community informed of our progress through announcements and postings on the MCDS Search webpage. The Search Committee will balance our commitment to make this process inclusive and transparent with the need to respect the confidentiality of the candidate recruitment process. 
 

Yes. You can contact the Search Committee at hossearch@mcds.org. You may also reach out to our consultants, Coreen Hester, Debbie Reed, or Tony Featherston. The Search Committee is committed to respecting the confidentiality of candidates in the recruitment process.

Email the Search Consultants

HoS Search Committee Co-Chairs Update (Sep. 23, 2024)

HoS Search Committee Co-Chairs Update (Aug. 13, 2024)

Board Chair Update (Jun. 13, 2024)

Board Chair Announcement: Head of School Departure (May 30, 2024)