Head of School Search

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• What is the role of the Head of School?

  The Head of School is Poly’s chief executive and is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the school. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and Poly’s leadership team, the Head of School advances the school’s mission and strategic priorities and oversees its academic program, faculty and staff, operations, finances, and community life.

  
  

  While the Head of School provides important leadership across the institution, Poly’s day-to-day work is carried out by an experienced team of administrators, faculty, and staff who lead and support the school’s programs and divisions.

• How will the community be kept informed?

  The Search Committee will provide updates at key points throughout the process. This webpage will serve as the central source for information about the search, including communications, updates, and opportunities for community participation.

• What will John’s role be during the search and transition?

  John remains fully engaged as Poly’s Head of School. He will continue to lead the school through this school year and the entire 2027–2208 school year with the same focus and commitment he has brought to his role throughout his tenure.

  
  

  The search for his successor will be led by the Board and Search Committee, allowing John and Poly’s leadership team to remain focused on students, faculty and staff, and the school’s priorities.

• How will the Poly community be involved in the search?

  Community input will be an important part of the search. The Search Committee will provide opportunities for members of the Poly community to share their perspectives and help inform the leadership profile for Poly’s next Head of School.

  
  

  Additional information about the search process and opportunities to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.

• How will the leadership transition affect my child’s experience at Poly?

  Poly remains focused on its mission and on providing students with an exceptional educational experience throughout the transition. Poly’s experienced leadership team, faculty, and staff will continue to advance the school’s priorities and support students across all three divisions.

  
  

  The extended timeline for the search, with John continuing to lead Poly through June 2028, is designed to provide continuity and allow for a thoughtful transition to Poly’s next Head of School.

• Why did John decide to retire at the end of the 2027–28 school year?

  After nearly 13 years as Head of School, John believes Poly is in a strong position to look ahead with confidence. As he shared in his message to the community, his decision comes not because the work is finished, but at a time when the school is well positioned for its next chapter.

  
  

  John will continue to lead Poly through the remainder of this school year and the entire 2027–2028 school year, retiring on June 30, 2028.

• Who can I contact with questions or feedback?

  Questions and feedback about the Head of School search may be directed to headsearch@polytechnic.org.

• What is the role of the search firm?

  Carney Sandoe & Associates will serve as an advisor to the Search Committee throughout the process. The firm will help Poly identify its leadership needs, develop a leadership profile, recruit and vet candidates, and support the committee through the finalist and selection process.

• Why is John announcing his retirement so far in advance?

  By sharing his plans well in advance, John is giving the Board of Trustees ample time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for Poly’s next Head of School and to plan for a smooth leadership transition.

  
  

  The extended timeline also allows John and the school to remain focused on the important work already underway at Poly.

• Who is leading the search for Poly’s next Head of School?

  The Board of Trustees is responsible for selecting Poly’s next Head of School. Board Chair Alec Hudnut has appointed a Search Committee, chaired by Denise Nelson Nash P ‘02, ‘06, to lead the process on behalf of the Board.

  
  

  The Board has also partnered with Carney Sandoe & Associates, an experienced independent school search firm, to support the search.

• What is the role of the Search Committee?

  The Search Committee is responsible for leading the search for Poly’s next Head of School on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Working closely with Carney Sandoe & Associates, the committee will develop the leadership profile, review and interview candidates, consider community feedback, and ultimately recommend a candidate to the Board.

  
  

  Throughout the process, Poly will keep the community informed and provide opportunities for engagement, while respecting the confidentiality necessary during candidate recruitment and consideration.

• When does Poly expect to name its next Head of School?

  Poly expects to name its next Head of School by the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year, providing significant time for a thoughtful transition before John retires on June 30, 2028.