Members of the Riverstone community,
I am pleased to be able to share with you another update from the head search committee on their progress towards selecting Bob Carignan's successor.
As you may or may not be aware, a typical head of school search takes approximately one year to complete. Generally, the process is kicked off in the spring, with the goal of appointing a new head not for the approaching school year, but rather for the one following. For example, in order to appoint a head for the 2018-2019 school year, the majority of schools would have begun their search in the spring of 2017.
Because our search is necessarily commencing outside of this cycle, we must take a slightly different tack. Fortunately, it is one that comes with a precedent of success and model for best practices.
In the course of interviewing a number of recruitment firms (a process that began immediately upon the announcement of Bob's departure), the search committee sought the advice of many seasoned educational recruitment experts. Their recommendation was unanimous. Given our timing, in order to position ourselves for the most competitive, successful hiring process possible, the best course of action would be to appoint an external interim head for the 2018-2019 school year while simultaneously seeking a permanent head for 2019-2020. This approach comes with the added benefit of creating a level playing field for both external and internal candidates for the permanent head position.
The good news is that there is a rich pool of highly experienced, top-notch heads of school that actively participate in such interim appointments. Often, these are veteran leaders that are approaching retirement and specialize in guiding schools through transitional periods such as ours. We feel confident that Riverstone will secure a first-rate interim head to take the helm and provide exemplary leadership as we continue the search for our next permanent head of school.
As we head into the new year, I feel optimistic about our direction and the future of Riverstone. With a committee of highly dedicated, hard-working individuals leading the charge in our head search, the counsel of the top professionals in the industry and the support of our wonderful community, I have no doubt that we will meet with every success as we move forward as a school.
I look forward to seeing you in January during RG175's discovery visit. As a reminder,
two parent forums will be held on Thursday, January 11: a morning session at 8:45 AM in the multi-purpose room and an evening session at 6:30 PM in the Elementary School atrium.
Wishing all the best of the season to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Mark Liebich
Chairman, Board of Trustees
