SALESIANUM SCHOOL Wilmington,

PRESIDENT Start Date: July 1, 2021 salesianum.org Mission Salesianum School educates and develops the whole person based on the teaching of Saint , whose spirituality can be summarized in “Live Jesus.” As an independent Catholic secondary school founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1903, Salesianum challenges young men through dynamic college preparatory and extracurricular programs to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community, and service.

OVERVIEW

Since 1903, Salesianum School has been educating young men in the example of Saint Francis de Sales whose mission is to simply “Live Jesus.” This Roman Catholic, independent high school empowers its students to live this mission with patience, gentleness, and humility in all that they do—whether in the classroom, playing a sport, participating in the performing or fine arts, or engaging in extracurricular clubs or activities.

A Salesianum education is based on the belief that every person matters, that every present moment is an opportunity for growth, and that each of us is blessed with gifts given to make a difference. Daily interactions between students form a welcoming environment—a brotherhood that begins in high school and continues well beyond. As a school that practices educating the whole person, Salesianum develops students intellectually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually in a school culture defined by the Salesian tradition. They grow to embrace the Gospel challenge to serve a world in need by cultivating and generously sharing their gifts and talents as Salesian gentlemen committed to others.

After ten years of exceptional leadership, current President Brendan Kennealey ‘94 announced his intentions to pursue other opportunities and will be departing the campus in June 2021. Brendan is the first lay leader in the school’s history. Brendan and his team have done an extraordinary job building on the powerful Salesian mission and values and creating a nationally recognized Catholic school for boys. The school is now positioned for a new period of growth and renewal and seeks a faith-filled, visionary leader who will work with the Principal and leadership team in taking this fine school to the next level.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2 Fast Facts Founded: 1903 Total students: 930 Non-Catholic students: 21% Total faculty: 65 Faculty with advanced degrees: 72% Student/teacher ratio: 13:1 Financial aid budget: $2.2M Students receiving financial aid: 36%

SCHOOL HISTORY

In January 1903, three French-speaking Oblate priests established The French School as a secondary school for boys to minister to Wilmington’s growing immigrant and industrial base. By the fall of 1903, the school’s early name had already been dropped in favor of Salesianum—the House of Sales. By 1907, four graduates became the first Salesian Gentlemen, forging a pathway that subsequently has been followed by more than 17,000 alumni, who live in all 50 states, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

While so much has changed throughout its more than 115-year history, Salesianum is always at its best when it reflects the virtues those first three Oblates rooted at the school’s founding. Always willing to take risks, legendary Oblate priests who succeeded them have ensured Salesianum best serves its students and its city. Whether being the first school in Delaware to racially integrate in 1950, moving to the current property in 1957, or welcoming waves of Cuban immigrants in the early 1960s, Salesianum has a rich history of demonstrating what it means to Live Jesus.

While the school has grown and evolved to ensure that today’s Salesian Gentlemen are well-prepared for an increasingly complex world, the halls of Salesianum remain fueled by a spirit of brotherhood and focused on the gift of learning together in the present moment. Most importantly, Salesianum remains a reflection of the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, “The Gentleman Saint,” whose spirit of optimism, hope, and confidence in God’s love prompts students to please God by doing everything— big or small—enthusiastically and well.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3 THE SCHOOL

Salesianum School is run independently within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and is operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Students represent four states—Delaware, , , and —and come from a vibrant mix of different economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. The school actively supports diversity and inclusion as essential to its mission of social justice.

Salesianum’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is an essential component of its Catholic and Salesian identity and is inextricably linked to its mission of social justice. While proud of its history being the first school in Delaware to integrate in 1950, the school also recognizes that coming together was only a beginning. Exposing students, faculty, and staff to a wide range of ideas, experiences, and cultures; examining preconceptions; and exploring different ways of thinking enrich the learning experience and reflect the school’s mission to Live Jesus. Preparing graduates for lives of faith and service in a diverse world is at the heart of the school’s educational mission to form students as Salesian Gentlemen.

ACADEMICS

The Salesianum approach to academics is centered on the six pillars of Salesian Spirituality: Optimism, Liberty of Spirit, Gentle Strength, Little Virtues, Spiritual Friendship, and a Universal Call to Holiness. As its mission statement clearly states, the spiritual health of the community is vital to students’ educational success. The school believes that students reach their potential when high school is not reduced to a checklist of requirements; but rather, when a focus is placed on community, relationships, and a sense of belonging.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4 College Acceptances The following is a partial list of college acceptances from the Classes of 2016 through 2020:

Brown University Boston College Carnegie Mellon Columbia University Cornell University Davidson College De Sales University Duke University Emory University Georgia Tech Georgetown University George Washington University Hampton University Haverford College Howard University The school offers a challenging college preparatory Lehigh University curriculum, including many Advanced Placement options. Michigan State University All students take classes in English, math, science, social Morehouse College studies, world languages (French, Spanish, Mandarin, New York University Latin, and American Sign Language), religious studies, Northeastern University physical education, and arts and innovation. Northwestern University Oberlin College Importantly, Salesianum recognizes that not all students Rice University learn in the same way. In 2009, Salesianum established the Gardner Center (aka the Brisson Center) to assist Stanford University students with learning differences so that they too can achieve their full academic potential. Academy United States Military Academy Religious education classes focus on forming young men United States Naval Academy into Salesian Gentlemen who embody and embrace the University of California Los Angeles Salesian values of compassion, humility, service, and University of Chicago brotherhood, and who lead their lives committed to others. University of Notre Dame Formalized instruction in religious studies includes courses University of Pennsylvania in religious philosophy and sacred scripture, as well as courses aimed at the application of faith to everyday life, University of Southern California such as morality, Christian lifestyles and death/dying. University of Virginia Vassar College A unique aspect of the curriculum is the Arts and Innovation Villanova University program, a dynamic, diverse, and evolving program Wake Forest University of studies that embraces the importance of traditional Washington University in St. Louis music and arts, while also offering the latest education Yale University in business, product development, performance, design,

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5 production, computer sciences, and media communications. Courses cover topics including audio production, entrepreneurship, technical theater, music history, improv comedy, and more.

Salesianum’s college preparatory education and rigorous academic experience allows students to maximize their four-year college options upon graduation.

THE ARTS

The school is home to award-winning music and fine arts programs that continue to enlighten young minds and theater productions that inspire souls. Salesianum School Theater has gained a reputation for excellence in the performing arts with audiences enjoying at least three mainstage productions each year. Productions, which include students from sister schools, Padua and Ursuline Academies, range from classical to cutting edge, ancient to avant-garde. Performance seasons take a cross-curricular approach and directly related to, and reflect, the school’s annual theme.

Salesianum has had a music program since the opening of the school in 1903, and a marching band since the 1940’s, making one of the longest-running programs in the State of Delaware. The marching band plays an important role in Salesianum’s legendary school spirit and is comprised of Salesianum students along with students from Padua and Ursuline Academies. The band is active during the football season and develops a spectacular new field show each year. Additionally, the band represents the school at parades, competitions, and special events throughout the school year.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6 ATHLETICS

With a growing intramural program, dynamic physical education classes, championship level interscholastic athletics, diverse athletic clubs (rowing, ultimate frisbee, and curling, to name just a few) it’s easy for students to have multiple exercise outlets, meet personal fitness goals, and lay the long- term groundwork for a healthy and active life.

Athletics at Salesianum have a rich tradition of helping young men realize their potential and fostering a unique sense of school spirit and pride. Salesianum offers robust, diverse interscholastic and intramural athletics opportunities and consistently fields competitive teams that are recognized at the state and national levels. Sports include cross country, football, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, winter track, swimming, wrestling, baseball, golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, and rugby. Countless teams have earned accolades and state championships, including the swim team which has won eight consecutive swimming and diving state championships and the soccer program that has won ten consecutive State titles.

Offered for freshmen and sophomores, the Health and Physical Education curriculum teaches the correlation between personal behaviors and wellness, along with how proper values are conducive to leading a healthy lifestyle. The department’s dynamic faculty motivate students to engage in a wide range of physical activities, especially team sports and activities that provide experiences in collaboration and cooperation that are essential life lessons.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7 STUDENT LIFE

The Salesianum experience is about growing a dynamic, healthy community rich in friendships, Salesian spirituality, and care for the common good. As such, the start of every school day, class, athletic practice, game, meeting, and school event is opened with The Direction of Intention:

My God, give me the grace to perform this action with you and through love for you. In advance, I offer to you all the good that I may do and accept all the difficulty I may meet therein. St. Francis de Sales, pray for us. St. Jane de Chantal, pray for us. Blessed Louis Brisson, pray for us.

This simple, powerful prayer and method for consciously offering up to God what the community is about to do while accepting that whatever comes is from His kind and loving hand. The Direction of Intention continues to unite generations of Salesianum graduates, friends, and families as one.

The school believes in putting faith into action, and its Center for Faith and Justice provides a space for students to work with faculty to pray, plan school liturgies, develop retreats, and map out meaningful service projects. All freshmen complete their Christian Service requirement at Nativity Preparatory School or another urban elementary or middle school in Wilmington. In the sophomore service program, students engage in direct personal service with the residents of the Mary Campbell Center, an assisted living home for people with severe mental and physical disabilities. Juniors take the spirit of service with them in their immersion requirement where they live and work with people all over the globe. Seniors build upon their first three years with a comprehensive senior servant leadership project.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8 Salesianum’s house system creates leadership opportunities, promotes Christian service, strengthens school spirit, and builds brotherhood for all. Houses ease the traditional learning curve that often comes with the transition to high school by providing incoming freshmen with a fun and comprehensive orientation led by senior house mentors. Homerooms are split by house, so that older students can guide underclassmen through the traditions and practices of Salesianum.

To help shape students as global citizens, the BRIDGE (Building Relationships in Diverse Global Environments) Program offers opportunities for international service trips and exchange programs throughout the year. The BRIDGE Program seeks to expand students’ perspectives through opportunities that stretch beyond their comfort zones. Salesianum seeks to have every student participate in at least one BRIDGE trip during their high school career.

CAMPUS

Salesianum’s campus is situated in an urban, residential section of Wilmington with easy access to major arteries including I-95 and Routes 202 and 52.

The campus is a welcoming blend of old and new—the original, circa 1957 building with its gleaming terrazzo floors, traditional hallways, and classrooms that fuse seamlessly with beautiful, state-of-the-art additions, including the Rocco Abessinio Science Center and Anthony N. Fusco, Sr. Athletic Center.

The state-of-the-art Abessinio Center is where scientific exploration, analysis, and research thrives every day. This beautiful and vibrant center houses a total of 10 science laboratory rooms and eight classrooms that contain a full set of 26 student lectures and 12 very well-equipped lab stations with an additional two independent study labs. Filled with natural light and the latest technology, the center continues to be one of Salesianum’s most beloved and well-used spaces. CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9 Abessinio Stadium

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

Packed into its 45 square kilometers is a city of big significance. Located 30 minutes south of Philadelphia, halfway between New York and Washington, D.C., where the Christiana and Brandywine rivers meet, Wilmington arose from the first Swedish settlement in the country to become the “Corporate Capital of the World.” More than half of all Fortune 500 companies operate here. Once the last stop on the Underground Railroad, it was also once the domain of the famous du Pont family.

The city celebrates a diversity of cultures and lifestyles. Foodies love Wilmington’s burgeoning restaurant scene on Market Street, Union Street, and in Trolley Square. Art lovers enjoy access to Delaware Art Museum, dozens of galleries, live music venues like The Grand Opera House and Live Nation at The Queen, and the state’s premier centers for the performing arts. Outdoor enthusiasts have 552 acres of parks at their fingertips, ranging from neighborhood pocket parks to Brandywine Park’s winding trails through thick forest—there’s no better place in the state to be a runner or cyclist.

With a population of around 70,000, Wilmington is a city of beautiful neighborhoods, historic districts, abundant housing, and affordable living. Downtown has restored brownstones and high-rise residential towers, communities in the hills offer the comfort of country living, and between the two sit dozens of rowhome neighborhoods with their own unique history and character. The Riverfront, a new district forged from a former shipyard and industry hub, is one of the city’s hottest destinations with its dynamic live-work-play environment.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

This is a promising time for Salesianum School. The school is rock solid in every material and spiritual sense, enriching the student experience with its powerful Salesian values and raising the school’s reputation as one of the finest all-boys Catholic schools in the country. Fundraising has also been extraordinarily robust in recent years achieving levels of giving seldom seen among Catholic schools across the country. A public/private partnership with the City of Wilmington has also resulted in the school taking over a large public stadium, demolishing it, and building in its place a world-class facility for sporting events and other high-profile public gatherings. Named Abessinio Stadium in honor of the Salesianum alumnus who provided a $16 million gift to build this magnificent facility, this community asset may very well be the finest high school sporting venue in the country.

The board is expecting the next President to maintain this extraordinary momentum while remaining true to its Catholic and Salesian traditions and focusing on the following opportunities and challenges:

• The community is deeply grateful for the superb leadership provided by outgoing President Brendan Kennealey, but they are also aware that this will be a tough leadership act to follow. The next President can expect an eager willingness among the community to support his/her leadership of the school. • A new governance structure was established in 2014 modernizing the school’s fiduciary board and sharing responsibilities with the sponsoring Order, the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Maintaining the true spirit of this governing partnership will be important to the future success and collegial culture of the school. • This is a very competitive education market. Given the challenging demographics and rising costs, the next President will need to craft a bold vision for the future and rally constituent support for the plan.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11 • The Salesianum School community takes great pride in its history of welcoming students and families of all socio-economic backgrounds. DEI initiatives are also current priorities for the school. To maintain this inclusive and life-changing ethos in the face of rising tuition costs, a new focus on fundraising will be critical, especially growing the endowment to support financial aid and other urgent initiatives. This will also include modernizing the school’s Performing Arts complex, which is dear to many students and families. • And, finally, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all educational institutions have come to realize the enormous challenges posed by massive and unexpected events. Change management has emerged as a top priority in today’s leadership of schools.

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The school operates in the President/Principal model. In this increasingly popular leadership structure, the Principal serves as the day-to-day head of academic operations, reporting to the President who functions as the chief executive officer and face of the school to the community. The President is the outward facing “Institution Builder”—fundraiser, friend raiser, and visionary—while the Principal is the inward facing “Community Builder”—setting the tone, raising the standards, and holding people accountable for the quality of the student experience. To achieve the promise of the model, the President and Principal must work effectively as a team, collaborating and partnering to achieve synergies and responding seamlessly to the changing needs of the institution.

This is a classic “take it to the next level” leadership opportunity. The school does not seek a change agent or disrupter but a generative and visionary servant leader who will respect the past, honor the values and traditions of the school, and build on the solid institutional platform in place.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 12 Given the current challenges and opportunities mentioned above, the President should possess the following qualities and qualifications:

• A faith-filled practicing Catholic who will embrace and promote the Catholic and Salesian identity of the school while modeling those values in his/her daily practice. • A person who can engage in collaborative dialogue with and maintain a positive, ongoing relationship with the leadership team of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales who take seriously the role of oversight over their flagship school. • A fundamentally relational leader who will connect joyfully and genuinely with all constituents of the school. • A high-profile leader with exceptional communications and platform skills who can raise the profile and powerful value proposition of the school. • A team builder and mentor who will recognize the critical role of all faculty and staff and celebrate their achievements in fulfilling the vital mission of the school.

The President is hired by, and reports to, the Salesianum Board of Trustees with the approval of the Provincial Leadership team of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales.

The board welcome candidates from varied mission-critical career platforms including other Catholic, independent, or charter schools; higher education; non-profit foundations, associations, charities, and the like; as well as the corporate, civic, and professional services arenas. While deep domain knowledge of secondary education is preferred, other qualities and experiences are also valued, especially visionary, entrepreneurial leadership and the ability to inspire, build high performing teams, and create demand for the unique gifts of a Salesianum School education.

This is an extraordinary and truly rare leadership opportunity.

TO APPLY

Application Deadline December 15, 2020

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultant in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate documents (preferably PDFs):

• A thoughtful and targeted cover letter expressing interest in this particular position; • A current résumé; • A one-page statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice; • A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:

Bob Regan Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice Senior Consultant [email protected]

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