Head search: Andover community weighs in

The community’s perspectives and aspirations continue to inform Andover’s search for its next Head of School. Trustee Eric Zinterhofer ’89, P’18,’19, search committee chair, shared an update on progress this week.

To launch the search process, consultants from Carney Sandoe and Associates spent time on campus, meeting with students, faculty, and staff. They also spoke with parents, trustees, and friends of the school. “Feedback from these meetings and the input collected through the online survey helped us craft a Position Description and outline the characteristics we seek in our next Head of School,” said Zinterhofer.

The survey generated nearly 1,500 responses from across the campus and global communities, including parents, employees, alumni, trustees, and friends. Collectively, they affirmed several consistent themes. Respondents highlighted Andover’s academic excellence, outstanding faculty, and diverse student body. Those same themes helped to shape priorities for the next head: recruiting and retaining high-quality faculty, nurturing academic excellence, building a strong sense of community and school spirit, and supporting the emotional, developmental, and wellness needs of each student.

Survey responses also pointed to important experiences and qualities in the 17th Head of School. Chief among these were leading in a complex organizational environment, especially in an independent school; skills to support and retain faculty; and boarding school experience. Respondents also expressed their desire for a leader who is approachable, collaborative, decisive, and transparent.

The committee continues to seek input ([email protected]) from the community. Meanwhile, the position description and other search resources are available online: https://www.andover.edu/headsearch