August 12, 2017

Dear Families of Students in Grades 5-8,
This letter is intended to explain the next few months when the Middle School will be embarking on the selection of a permanent Middle School Head.
 
We have been very lucky to have Bob McGrath step in since May 1 and serve as our Interim Head of Middle School. His tenure as "interim" lasts through this academic year, ending June 30, and he will be a candidate for the permanent position which will commence July 1, 2018.
 
Our intention is to begin a search so we can be in a position to select a Middle School Head by mid-October. To that end, we have retained a consultant from Educators' Collaborative, a group that has been involved in a number of our administrative searches. In addition to our consultant, I am working with an advisory committee that is made up of trustees, middle school parents and faculty members to assist me with this search.
 
Working on behalf of Columbus Academy, our consultant has been culling candidates for the permanent position of Middle School Head, and soon we will be bringing finalists to campus for extensive interviews and visits.
 
In an effort to find the most qualified candidate, parents, faculty and staff will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and express their ideas about what personal and professional qualities our future Middle School Head should possess in order to lead the Middle School and serve our students in the best ways possible.
 
You will hear regularly from me regarding the timing of the search and the opportunities you will have to meet candidates. In the meantime, I welcome any thoughts you may have regarding the future leadership of our Middle School.
 
As always, your trust in this school and your commitment to your child(ren)'s education is foremost in my mind as we work towards bringing excellent leaders to Columbus Academy.
 
Sincerely,
 
Melissa Soderberg
Head of School