"Change is inevitable- in schools, in headship, in search. Amid this change, the thoughtful board and search committee will help their school make the most of leadership transition by understanding search in today's varied and evolving context. May you find not only a new leader but also the vision and momentum that will transform your school!"
-Vince Watchorn in The NAIS Head Search Handbook
-Vince Watchorn in The NAIS Head Search Handbook
There is no more important function of a board than to hire a Head of School with the right skills, abilities, and temperament to match and respond to the needs of the community. In a small school, where relationships, communication, and connections are paramount, choosing the "right" Head of School is critical. The processes for identifying the characteristics of an ideal Head of School and then identifying and on-boarding that individual need to be responsive to the unique circumstances of the school. A Head of School Search Consultant who knows small schools can help find the right next Head of School.
Acies Strategies partners with Boards and Search Committees to provide tailored Head of School Search and Interim Head of School Search processes that are responsive to and supportive of small school communities. We listen deeply and communicate frequently to ensure that decision-makers and community members understand the process while feeling heard and included.
What Differentiates Acies Strategies' Head Search Services?
- Acies Strategies understands and focuses on the strengths and challenges of small schools. We help school leaders find candidates who are seeking the close-knit, responsive, and collaborative environments that small schools provide.
- We understand that in a small school many constituents (faculty & staff, parents, alumni, even students) want to be involved. They want and expect to have a voice in something as important as finding the next head. We help Search Committees listen to these voices and appropriately include school constituents in the search process.
- We know that in small schools everyone wears many hats and each person has lots to do! We make the search process clear, efficient, and with no surprises. Serving on a Search Committee takes time, attention, and effort. We support schools through each step, making the process as transparent and seamless as possible. We are only an email or phone call away!
- We work with boards to enhance their efficacy. Many of the skills and strategies that are needed for a head search are also required for an effective board. We share our knowledge about topics such as strategic thinking, consideration of community feedback, recognition of cognitive bias, consideration of diversity of thought and perspective, transition planning, and more with boards to ensure they are prepared to be effective governors.
- We take care of candidates. While we are hired by a school and the school is our client, we believe that by supporting candidates with clear, complete, honest, and timely communication we are better able to help schools find their ideal next head. By ensuring that both schools and candidates feel that they are informed, included, and respected, the focus can be on finding the right match.
Recent Completed Head Searches:
St. Anne's School of Annapolis
Friends Meeting School
Friends Community School
Christ Episcopal School
Wye River Upper School- Interim
Madison Country Day School- Interim
Peoria Academy- Interim
Peoria Academy
Wye River Upper School
St. Anne's School of Annapolis
Friends Meeting School
Friends Community School
Christ Episcopal School
Wye River Upper School- Interim
Madison Country Day School- Interim
Peoria Academy- Interim
Peoria Academy
Wye River Upper School
Brooke's professionalism and knowledge of what a small independent school needs in a leader were instrumental to the Search Committee. She kept committee members and Trustees on task and constantly moving forward in the search process. Her communications skills are excellent. She truly understood the needs of our small independent school and consequently found the ideal HOS for us. Her expertise and advice were invaluable to the Search Committee. She helped us find a leader that understands the culture and history of our school, as well as appreciates our unique community.
Gretchen P., Co-Chair of Search Committee
Brooke Carroll is a consummate professional who understands the value of hiring the right person at the right time. Her approach was to listen attentively, adapt her search process to the needs of our institution, communicate clearly and succinctly, and keep our eyes focused on our own values and the importance of a successful result.
-Friends Community School Search Committee Member
Our experience with Brooke was great! Finding a new head of school can seem like an overwhelming challenge—but she drew up the perfect roadmap for us. Her thoughtful and sensitive guidance turned a daunting task into a positive experience.
-The Search Committee, Friends Meeting School
I've been in several head and division head searches and this one was the best. Brooke's care for me as a candidate, her frequent communication, and attention to detail were all great. I understood what the school wanted and expected through the whole process. Thanks! I'd work with Brooke again anytime!
-Recent head of school candidate
Gretchen P., Co-Chair of Search Committee
Brooke Carroll is a consummate professional who understands the value of hiring the right person at the right time. Her approach was to listen attentively, adapt her search process to the needs of our institution, communicate clearly and succinctly, and keep our eyes focused on our own values and the importance of a successful result.
-Friends Community School Search Committee Member
Our experience with Brooke was great! Finding a new head of school can seem like an overwhelming challenge—but she drew up the perfect roadmap for us. Her thoughtful and sensitive guidance turned a daunting task into a positive experience.
-The Search Committee, Friends Meeting School
I've been in several head and division head searches and this one was the best. Brooke's care for me as a candidate, her frequent communication, and attention to detail were all great. I understood what the school wanted and expected through the whole process. Thanks! I'd work with Brooke again anytime!
-Recent head of school candidate