The Wicket

School to implement new administrative position

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 By Jeannette Joly '13

Head of School Dan Kerns reported that, in the last few months, the administrative team decided to return to a two-tiered model. This dual-leader style was used in the past when Sister Mary Berchmans was President and Kerns was Assistant Head of School. The new arrangement will divide responsibility between Kerns and a novel position on campus: a Principal. The decision to use a two-tiered system was inspired by its success in the past, and the numerous amount of high schools in the area, such as Gonzaga, Georgetown Preparatory School, and the Academy of the Holy Cross, that successfully operate under a similar system. According to Kerns, the new principal will help alleviate much of the stress that has been put on our experienced administrators, specifically by providing them with more prompt support and resources for the day-to-day needs and activities of the school. The job description was published on career-finding websites, such as the National Association of Independent Schools webpage, and in newspapers such as "Education Week" in early January. The most important thing that the job description stresses is a dedication to the Roman Catholic faith. In addition to highlighting faith, the administrative search committee also emphasizes experience teaching and leading in a senior position at a school. Besides working directly with the administrators, the principal will also have a direct connection with the student body. This close connection will develop through activities such as service, campus ministry, and the Salesian leadership program. The online job description went as far as saying that the principal would support and oversee "all aspects of student life." The interviewing process is well underway, as numerous qualified applicants have already submitted their résumés and come into school for interviews. The new principal could potentially start working as early as July of this year. While the search for a strong and independent decision maker continues, the students remain curious about the new administrator who will soon be joining the school’s family.