head of school search

What? Our Founding Head of School, Dr. Sue Brooks, is embarking on her next adventure starting in the summer 2025. As such, Sue and the Board of Trustees have been in communication for succession planning, and the best way to position the school for its next leader. Succession planning is a normal part of any successful organization, and our school is fortunate to have a leader who clearly wants to position the school well. 

Who? The Co-clerks of the IFS Board of Trustees has appointed a search committee that is representative of the community the school serves, including members of the Board of Trustees, school staff and faculty, and school families.  

Why? The search committee’s purpose, with the support of an executive search firm, is to identify and recommend a candidate for the Head of School position to the Board of Trustees of the International Friends School. The search committee is supported by advisory members who serve a consultative role when called upon by the co-chairs and committee members for guidance and their expertise. The search committee and advisory members shall serve through the duration of the search, and the Board Co-clerks shall co-chair the search committee.

How? The search process comprises of three major phases, summarized below:

1. Succession Planning: Staff leadership and the Board of Trustees regularly connect to ensure that the school is set up for success, should any changes in leadership occur. Coordination and collaboration are essential to identify if and when succession is needed, and how to implement changes in the best interest of the school.

2. Candidate Selection: Once succession needs are identified, an executive search firm is selected based on best fit and proven success, and a search committee is established to represent the school community needs. The search committee and the executive search firm will work together throughout the search process (~6 - 10 months) to attract and select the best, qualified candidate to be the next Head of School. The search committee co-chairs are responsible for updating the school community on progress, requests, and information throughout this process (see our Updates and Timeline pages for updates).

3. Coming Full-Circle: After the Head-Elect has been thoroughly vetted by the search committee and the Board of Trustees, it's time to get the Head-Elect more settled into our school community. Every school handles how to do this differently, and IFS intends to make this announcement and interaction in an engaging and meaningful way.