- Message from the Head of School
- The SRV Model
- Mission/Philosophy
- Faculty/Staff
- SRV in Brief
- Board of Trustees
- School Environment
- Diversity
- Community Impact
- Directions
- SRV By the Numbers
- Symposium
2010 Head of School Search
In April 2009, Donna Sanderson announced her resignation as Head of School effective at the end of June, 2009. Read a letter to the community from the Board.
Search Committee Charter
The Board of Trustees of the School in Rose Valley has charged the 2010 Head Search Committee with implementing a full search for a new Head of School. This committee will conduct a search and hiring process that honors the school's Mission and Philosophy; allows for input from various constituencies; and maintains the confidentiality of applicants. The Committee is further charged with bringing two or more highly qualified, suitable candidates to the Board for the final selection.
The 2010 Search Committee's responsibilities include:
- Setting the process timeline
- Coordinating the process
- Preparing a budget including postings, consulting services, surveying and other input mechanisms, clerical /meeting expenses, and campus visits
- Collection and analysis of input from the community
- Development of candidate profile and post notices of the position
- Setting up screening processes and procedures
- Keeping the school community informed
- Identifying the semi-finalists
- Prioritizing finalists and make recommendations to the full Board
- Checking references
- Conducting campus and community tours for candidates
- Negotiating salary and benefits based on parameters set by the Board
- Notifying the successful candidate and releasing unsuccessful candidates
- Orienting the new Head and assisting in the transition
Search Committee membership
The Search Committee is comprised of trustees, parents and past parents, teachers, alumni, and outside experts attuned to SRV's unique strengths.
- Persephone Braham (Chair) is an SRV parent (Hugh, going into 3rd), alumna, and Vice President of the Board of Trustees. She headed the 2008-2009 Technology Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. She is Chair of the Latin American Studies Program at the University of Delaware.
- Meg de Moll is a teacher of the Oldest Group (grades 5-6) since 1999, a past parent, and alumna. Meg taught at the Landsdowne Friends School and has long-time connections with the SRV Summer Camp.
- Dorothy Flanagan is a grandparent (Jake, 4th) and founding head of the Stratford Friends School. She is an active member of the Rose Valley/Media, PA arts community with 33 years of experience as a school head, educator, and supporter of Friends' education.
- Pam Lieberman is an SRV parent (Sarah in 3rd, Daniel in 1st) and teaches college courses in comparative literature. Pam is active as a class parent and in the SRV Parent Community Organization.
- Frank Mosca (Committee Co-chair) is an SRV parent (Hannah, 1st) and Chair of the Education Department at La Salle University. He has been involved in the preparation of teachers for the past 13 years. His research interests are in classroom and school behavior management, and he is a supporter of John Dewey's educational principles.
- Rob Oaks is a past SRV parent, alumnus, and trustee since 2001. He serves or has served on the Technology, Development, Committee on Trustees, and Executive Committees. His passions are Sing, the Apple Core, and the smell of the woodshop. Rob is the Chief Technology Officer at UniRisX.
- Karyn Payton is an SRV teacher since 2007 (Learning Support, Technology and First), an alumna, and parent (Savannah, 2nd; Davis, K). She holds a BA in Psychology from Temple University and a MA in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University.
- Kim Schmucki is an SRV pre-school teacher since 2004, an administrator (admissions), and parent (Chris, 4th, Jane, 1st). Kim has an MA in art therapy from Hahnemann University and a BS in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.
- Brian Zidek, Esq. is an SRV parent (Caroline, 3rd); and specialist in reinsurance, finance, and health services administration. He is President of Excess Reinsurance; President of Quantum Care, Inc.; and Director of the Argo Capital Group. Brian is also a committed triathlete.
Community input
Community members are urged to respond fully and promptly to the June 2009 online survey sent out via the listserv. There will be meetings in September to allow for face-to-face discussions on leadership priorities, the needs of the school, and any other matters related to the search. You should also feel free to communicate with any member of the committee personally via email or through the head search email address, headsearch2010@theschoolinrosevalley.org.
Projected Timeline (2009)
| May | Announcement of Head of School search |
|---|---|
| June | Search Committee formation, community input via survey, development of candidate profile |
| July – October | Candidate reviews |
| September | Additional community input via meetings |
| October/November | Finalist interviews |
| December | Announcement of new Head of School |
Candidate confidentiality
The Search Committee is obliged to maintain the strictest confidentiality during all stages of the process. The circulation of names or rumors in the community at large can prejudice candidates' relationship with their current employer and could lead to their withdrawal from consideration. Therefore, while we undertake to keep the community informed of our progress, we ask community members to be mindful in discussing specific names or individuals.
Position profile
The School in Rose Valley seeks a strong, creative, and experienced leader for our small, progressive pre-K-6th school. Located on eight wooded, creek-side acres near Philadelphia, PA, The School in Rose Valley was founded in 1929 by parents and educators from the local Arts and Crafts community who, following the ideas of John Dewey and others, were seeking an authentically child-centered model of education for their children. By remaining true to its mission and core values, the School has been a beacon for progressive education from its founding to the present.
After a successful capital campaign ending in 2000, The School in Rose Valley undertook a major building and renovation project which is now almost complete. We have just completed a thorough curriculum revision, developing a rigorous, well-articulated program that embodies current research and best practices in progressive education. Revamped admissions and marketing strategies have been instrumental in keeping enrollment strong despite the economic downturn. We have an extraordinarily able and committed faculty and a highly effective administrative team.
We are seeking a leader to build on these successes and lead us to a new level, helping the school to meet the opportunities and challenges of the current environment by effectively fostering and communicating our core philosophy and values; leading and developing our teachers in their practice, and expanding our community through increased outreach, enrollment and financial aid.
The successful candidate will have a solid knowledge of early childhood or primary education, excellent organizational leadership skills, a proven record of outstanding fiscal management, and a dynamic, collaborative leadership style. A deep understanding and respect for the school's core progressive values and an ability to interact with teachers, parents, donors, and children with clarity, integrity, and insight are essential, as is an ability to critically address external educational trends and lead new initiatives without compromising the core mission.
MISSION
The School in Rose Valley is a progressive school for children in preschool through sixth grade. In our classrooms and our wooded campus, teachers and students create experiences that arouse curiosity, stretch muscles, strengthen initiative, and stimulate questions. We guide children to know themselves, to delight in learning, and to understand their opportunities and responsibilities in our community and the world.
Requirements:
- Successful prior headship or senior administrative experience in independent schools (division/lower school head).
- A demonstrated understanding of progressive education through his/her own experience as a teacher and/or administrator.
- Experience in a pre-K through Elementary setting.
- A belief in SRV's philosophy and core values and the ability to effectively and compellingly communicate its mission both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated leadership of a successful marketing/enrollment campaign
- The ability to inspire, develop, and retain an outstanding teaching and administrative staff.
- Demonstrated success with budget management and oversight
- Impeccable communication and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced degree in education or equivalent experience.
Send resume, educational philosophy statement, three letters of reference, and salary requirements to headsearch2010@theschoolinrosevalley.org or apply through the NAIS Career Center.
