From the Head of School Search Committee
SAA Appoints Ed Hollinger As Interim Head of School

The SAA Board of Trustees and Search Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Hollinger as the Interim Head of School for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Hollinger, who will begin his role as Interim on July 1, brings over 35 years of experience in education, including multiple positions in school transition management. He is currently finishing a two-year term as Interim Head of School at Emerson School, a school for gifted and academically talented students in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mr. Hollinger received his B.A degree in Social Sciences from Trinity College and a Masters in Education from Temple University. He also has a Graduate Certificate from Northwestern University in Learning and Organization Change. He spent the early part of his career as a classroom teacher, followed by many years as an administrator. He has served as head at several schools, including Chiaravalle Montessori School in Evanston, IL. While there Mr. Hollinger focused on internal leadership development, strategic planning and communication, and capital campaign counsel. Mr. Hollinger was also a founding member on the Board of Directors for Beacon Academy in Evanston, where his wife, Audrey Perrott, has recently been appointed head of school.

We are confident his demonstrated leadership, the depth of his experiences from working in various independent schools, his commitment to leading a diverse and inclusive school community, and his passion for learning will serve the entire Science & Arts Academy community well during the upcoming year. He is eager to begin working with the faculty, staff and parents, to share his experiences, and to cultivate a keen understanding of the needs of our students and the mission of our school.

As Tim Costello guides our school through the exciting months ahead, he will also begin sharing his insights and experience with Mr. Hollinger, ensuring he is prepared to guide SAA confidently into the next school year.

The Head of School Search Committee will now continue with its task of finding and selecting the next permanent Head of School. We look forward to enthusiastic engagement of parents, faculty, staff and students during this process.

Please join us in welcoming Ed to Science & Arts Academy for the 2023-2024 academic year.
A Message From Ed Hollinger
Dear SAA Family,

I’m Ed Hollinger and I am delighted to be joining Science & Arts Academy as your Interim Head of School.

I know SAA to be a vibrant school community where students engage in vigorous learning in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. I look forward to joining you; students, parents and faculty, in the journey of joyous and passionate learning where each person can grow, thrive and become the best version of themselves.

I’ve been an educator for my entire career; as a teacher, counselor and school leader. What has always informed and enlivened my work is being a part of the lives of young people; standing with them and guiding them in their own discovery of who they are as students and as young people of promise and purpose.

For the last number years of my career, my work has focused on school leadership; providing transitional leadership to schools in times of transition. I’ve worked in schools throughout the Midwest, and beyond. As some of you may know, I’ve served previously within the network of ISACS schools, including right here in the Chicago area. I’m delighted to be returning to a place that feels like home!

My first priority as I come into a new community is to spend time getting to know you. I want to talk with and listen to your stories of what brought you to SAA and what keeps you here. Together, we’ll explore the things that are important to us and to this community.

I’m eager and honored to be working with Tim Costello as well as with the Board of Trustees in the coming months as together we guide SAA through this transition. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to joining you in the journey ahead.

Stay well and I’ll be seeing you soon.

Warm regards,

Ed
Search Committee 
Bert Gutierrez-Wynne, Chair: Vice Chair, SAA Board of Trustees, Current Parent
Mark Anderson: SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
Steve Bayer: Teacher, Team Leader, Current Parent
Kirsten Bedway: Chair, SAA Board of Trustees, Alumni Parent
Sarah Bright: SAA Board of Trustees, Current Parent
Michelle Gueguen: Teacher, Team Leader
Mindy Hildebrandt: Director of Enrollment Management
Chirag Shah: Alumni Parent, past SAA Board of Trustees, past Chair, Finance Committee
Science & Arts Academy educates gifted children in an academically differentiated and enriched environment while recognizing the unique development of each child. Our supportive community encourages students to embrace their potential and cultivates their academic abilities, creative talents, and emotional growth.