Head of School Search

Search Committee Appointed and Search Firm Chosen

May 29, 2012

Dear Foothills Community,

The Foothills School Board of Trustees formed a Head of School Task Force to begin the work of selecting the next Head of School. Isaac Squyres, Vice-Chair of the Board, and I are serving as co-chairs of the Task Force and are joined by Board member Mary Givens Andrews, faculty members Carrie McKee, Michelle Forrester, Robbie Prokop, Camilla Barnes-Kelley, and Emily Williams, administrative team member Cassie Angelos, and parents Raphael Streiff and Marla Henken.

After extensive research, the Board of Trustees has selected New Thinker, LLC, an independent consulting practice based in Seattle, to assist in our search for our new Head of School. Founded by Terry Macaluso, Ph.D., New Thinker has consulted with more than 40 schools and organizations on executive searches, strategic planning, institutional audits, financial sustainability and other organizational needs.

Dr. Macaluso has extensive experience in education, particularly independent schools. She has served as Head of the Upper School of Colorado Academy in Denver, President of St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood, Co., Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, and most recently as Founding Head of Eastside Preparatory School in Kirkland, Wash. In addition to degrees in philosophy, Dr. Macaluso holds a master’s degree in organizational design and effectiveness from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif. She has participated in several Head of School searches and her track record in this area is impressive. For more information about New Thinker, LLC, please visit the company’s website: www.newthinker.com

I have spoken at length with Dr. Macaluso and am confident in her approach and commitment to finding the best match for Foothills. I am excited that the hiring search is actively underway, and we have an opportunity for the Foothills community to participate and offer feedback in the early stage of our search:

• Dr. Macaluso has developed a survey to gather your thoughts on the new leadership for Foothills. The survey is just five questions, and we ask for you to please complete it by Monday, June 4. You can access the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/foothillssurvey6412

Your input is invaluable to this process, and I hope you will all take the opportunity to provide feedback. Thank you.

 Sincerely,

Jennifer Swartz

Chair, Board of Trustees