ALLENDALE COLUMBIA SCHOOL Rochester,

HEAD OF SCHOOL Start Date: July 2021 allendalecolumbia.org Mission At Allendale Columbia, we prepare students for the world they will inherit. In our trusting and responsive environment, students in nursery through grade 12 grow in confidence and develop scholastic independence. Together, our students and teachers imagine, design, and create in order to make a positive impact locally and globally.

OVERVIEW

Allendale Columbia School (AC) is a leading independent, coeducational school that prepares a diverse student body in nursery through grade 12 for the world they will inherit. The school is defined by its academic quality and a strong sense of togetherness. At AC, exceptional educators lead personalized explorations of learning, offering countless opportunities for students to express themselves, discover their passions, pursue real world projects, and achieve academic excellence.

AC leads the way in innovation, global engagement, entrepreneurship, and ingenuity with learning that goes beyond books and tests. Faculty members use their independence and experience to connect knowledge to real-life, so students can make more sense of the world – and their place in it. They inspire students to be curious and creative learners, encouraging students to take risks while sparking their resilient spirits. As a result, students develop critical thinking skills and become effective problem solvers.

The school is a thriving community of learners who engage locally and internationally to create opportunities to design, imagine, learn, and make a positive impact. Students, families, faculty, and staff frequently collaborate in service to the school, the community, and the world demonstrating the shared values that unite our lives. It all adds up to a different school of thought: high expectations and relevant experiences that prepare students to succeed in a globally competitive society.

The school is seeking a Head of School effective July 2021. The current Interim Head of School is Shannon Baudo. Before assuming the role of Interim Head, Shannon served as the Assistant Head of School and Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid. The successful Head of School candidate will be an experienced educational leader devoted to the school’s mission and program. The Head has oversight of all organizational activities and serves as the school’s academic leader, fostering a climate of excellence and ethical growth among students, faculty, and staff.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2 Fast Facts Established: 1890 Total students: 354 Students of color: 30% Total faculty: 64 Faculty with advanced degrees: 70% Student/teacher ratio: 6:1 Financial aid budget: $2.75M Students receiving financial aid: 56.6% Value of endowment: $7.6M

SCHOOL HISTORY

The story of Allendale Columbia School began in the fall of 1890, when the Columbia School opened with 13 elementary students. The Columbia School soon expanded to become a kindergarten through grade 12 women’s preparatory school.

In 1926, a group of Rochester businessmen founded the Allendale School for Boys on a 24-acre site and followed the innovative “country day” philosophy. Gradually, Allendale became a college preparatory school like its sister school, Columbia. Faced with financial strain from the Great Depression, the two schools merged in 1936, parting again in 1939. Allendale and Columbia remained separate for the next 30 years.

On Thanksgiving night in 1966, a fire destroyed all the original buildings on the Allendale campus. Classes were held in the surviving gym and science building, and fundraising efforts to rebuild the school began immediately. Toward the late 1960s, the leadership of the Allendale and Columbia schools mutually agreed on a merger, seeing the benefits of increased space and resources. In 1971, Allendale and Columbia combined under one board of trustees. The following year, the Columbia School moved to its new facilities on the Allendale campus.

United as a single entity, the Allendale Columbia School blossomed. A 1990 Centennial Celebration was a major milestone, setting the tone for the last years of the 20th century and carrying the school into the new millennium where improvements continued. The Gleason Science Wing, Gannett Gymnasium, and Curtis Performance Center were added, and the Alumni Gymnasium, Arts Building, and Library underwent significant renovations. The year 2000 saw the successful conclusion of a three-year endowment campaign which added five million dollars to the school’s already strong endowment fund, for the particular purpose of supporting faculty compensation.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3 In 2002, the courtyard was renovated, and darkrooms were added to the art facilities. The administrative wing was renovated, and the admissions team was moved to the other side of the school with their own entrance to welcome guests to campus. An ongoing effort to stay current with the latest technology has resulted in the complete wired and wireless networking of campus, the addition of several computer laboratories, and issuance of laptops to faculty. In 2015, the school established its Centers for Impact that include the Center for Global Engagement, the Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Invent Center for STEM & Innovation. A portion of the main building was renovated to create The Bruce B. Bates Design & Innovation Lab, a two-story technology and creativity space. In the past 10 months, the school also created an entire Pre-Primary wing that holds the newly added Little School program as well as Nursery students.

THE SCHOOL

For 130 years, Allendale Columbia School has been challenging students to reach their potential by offering opportunities for leadership, character development, and structure around high expectations. AC is currently home to over 350 students in AC’s nursery through grade 12 program and 18month – 3-year-old Little School program who are from more than 51 communities nearby, 10 countries, and four continents.

AC’s team of teachers, staff, and administrators consists of over 100 people who bring an array of experience, interests, and talent – including more than 60 faculty members who have an average teaching experience of 11 years. This group of dedicated, engaged, and collaborative educators is truly passionate about what they do and set high, but achievable, goals for themselves and their students. As a result, students are inspired to work harder and to ultimately exceed their own expectations with the support and encouragement of the AC team. Accommodating and encouraging each student’s uniqueness is central to AC’s culture and approach to education. Through enrichment classes,

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4 support opportunities, specials classes, athletics, and family-style lunch, all faculty and staff members intentionally know every child. So many of the relationships fostered at AC become lifelong.

Allendale Columbia School is a proud member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and has received full accreditation from the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).

AC Centers for Impact Established in 2015, the AC Centers for Impact challenge students to think and work in new ways to better prepare them for the world they will inherit, shape, and lead. These three unique programs offer students real-world opportunities to explore, learn, grow, and make a positive impact.

The Center for Global Engagement is committed to exposing students to global opportunities and multicultural perspectives and creating a culture of global empathy and global responsibility. While the Center influences the curriculum in all divisions, it focuses on a proprietary curriculum that supports AC’s Global Engagement Diploma in which students embark on service-learning, cultural immersion international trips, and leadership and exchange opportunities within the local community and across the world. Students interested in pursuing the global diploma can apply during their 8th or 9th grade year.

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates opportunities for students to learn to adapt to a constantly evolving world, connect globally, and carve their own path. Entrepreneurship course offerings begin in Lower School and increase in Middle and Upper School. Highlights include students in the Middle School Entrepreneurship elective running aspects of marketing, promotions, sales, and ordering for the school store, and Upper School students participating in TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool, an independently organized TEDxYouth event, held annually. The event is completely student-run, organized, and curated. TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool strives to promote the TED tag line of “ideas worth sharing” representing the school, Rochester, and the global community.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5 At the Invent Center for STEM and Innovation, students are challenged to learn critical thinking, creativity in problem solving, reflection, and communication – solidifying skills that students can transfer across STEM content areas and the arts. Whether in the STEM, Research and Writing course, the Lower School robotics team, or courses that focus on design and the creative process, teachers coach students to develop critical and innovative thinking as they solve problems and overcome challenges.

ACADEMICS AC Little School The AC Little School is a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that provides children 18-36 months-old with an early childhood education, based on an Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. Through a combination of curriculum and guided projects, new ideas and topics are introduced to foster a love of learning. Children are encouraged to follow their natural curiosity and to investigate, explore, and experiment in the world around them.

Pre-Primary In nursery and pre-kindergarten, teachers have the resources and collegial relationships of the entire N-12 school community to build a program that is the foundation of what is to come for their students, as well as one that is comprehensive and inspiring.

Specials classes begin in nursery with library, music, computer, art, and physical education. Classroom teachers work collaboratively with specialists to create interdisciplinary, thematic-based units of study. These units offer students rich, vivid connections to the world around them. Throughout the day, students engage in teacher directed activities that build skills in reading readiness, number concepts, language development, and large and small motor development. Life skills are built into the everyday curriculum, so children learn how to work and play together, make friends, express feelings in words, take turns, and share. CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6 “Between the academic program, the social/emotional support my child receives, and consistent communication from the faculty and staff, there is no other school in our area that compares to AC.” - Parent, 6th grade student

Lower School The Lower School is a place where students in kindergarten through 5th grade are free to explore, encouraged to take risks, and can develop their own voice while learning key foundational skills. The classroom environment is filled with purpose, excitement, and a joy for learning exhibited by both students and teachers. Small classes, where every student participates and receives personal attention from teachers, ensure that the whole child is being nurtured and build the groundwork for lifelong learning. An innovative approach to education in Lower School ensures that young learners master essential skills while also being nurtured and challenged to pursue their own curiosities of the world. The vibrant, primary education curriculum is taught by an outstanding, dedicated faculty who are excited about teaching and learning. The curriculum builds strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and social studies, and an understanding of global awareness, collaborative problem-solving, and financial literacy. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are taught together in an integrated STEM program. Learning in two large, well-equipped classrooms, students have access to high-end, professional equipment and develop the skills to problem solve, make predictions, record observations and data, draw conclusions, and present their findings confidently.

Middle School Middle School, for grades 6 through 8, is a place where each student is encouraged to find their passion, go beyond their comfort zone, and try new experiences. Before academics, before projects or curriculum, students in Middle School need to feel safe, known, and cared about in order to learn. Therefore, AC strives to create a community that is both nurturing and serves to push students to achieve beyond what they thought possible.

Students complete courses in English, history, math, science, world language, visual art and music, health and physical education, and a wide variety of electives. The curriculum is constantly adapting to meet the changing world and has a foundation rooted in offering globally focused, authentic learning opportunities where students work on real-world problems. Critical thinking is encouraged throughout. In CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7 STEM students get the chance to work on teams that are cross-disciplinary and develop hybrid-thinking skills. A vibrant and energetic visual and performing arts experience offers students the opportunity to build their creativity and self-expression.

At the end of the spring semester, Middle School students complete their usual curriculum and begin May Term. May Term provides educational opportunities outside of the normal structures of the school year to support intellectual discovery, encourage collaboration, and foster community involvement. Courses are designed to emphasize global awareness, interdisciplinary content, and service learning. Students decide on which courses they take, giving them the opportunity to learn about new topics and take part in courses that pique their interest.

Another highlight of Middle School is the 7th grade trip to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada for a weeklong outdoor educational experience. In this technology-free setting, students make personal and cerebral connections to the natural world, working and playing together while hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and taking on a challenging ropes course.

Upper School The AC Upper School provides students in grades 9 through 12 a vigorous, active, college preparatory education with a focus on developing global-minded citizens who are ready to face any challenge. Individualized learning is guided by an outstanding faculty who challenges students to perform at the highest level while providing support vital to academic and personal achievement. Students experience a variety of teaching styles including seminar-style classrooms, lectures, discussions, projects, writing workshops, and collaborative learning. Over the course of four years, the Upper School develops students’ independence and motivation to excel.

The curriculum consists of a complete selection of core subject courses and diverse electives. Within courses, students have multiple opportunities for self-directed learning, enrichment, and personalized challenges. Students can experience college-level learning in Advanced Placement classes, and in select instances, students may create their own independent study courses. Core courses include English, CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8 College Acceptances The following is a partial list of college acceptances for the Classes of 2015-2019: American University Boston College Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Columbia University Cornell University Dartmouth College Elon University Harvard University High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Ithaca College James Madison University Lafayette College Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Nazareth College world language (French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese), New York University mathematics, science, history, computer literacy, health, Northeastern University and visual art, music, or theater. Students may also Ohio University explore the variety of offerings from AC’s Centers for Pomona College Impact and pursue the Global Engagement Diploma. Princeton University Providence College Just like in Middle School, Upper Schoolers participate Regis University in May Term each year. In lieu of May Term, seniors may Rochester Institute of Technology choose to participate in AC’s Senior Project and Internship Savannah College of Art and Design Program, a three-week off-campus experience in a Skidmore College professional environment. At the conclusion, students St. Lawrence University must prepare and deliver a presentation to a panel of SUNY at Albany professionals from the AC community. AC seniors have Syracuse University interned or completed projects with a wide range of The George Washington University organizations including Noyes Memorial Hospital, Teen The University of Arizona Empowerment, Kyle Farms, and Dixon Schwabl. The University of Texas College counseling is a critical aspect of the Upper Tufts University School experience, offering information and support for University at Buffalo both students and their families. Ninth and 10th graders University of California, Davis begin the process with pre-college events. Eleventh and University of Colorado 12th graders and their families participate in a formal University of Rochester process that involves individual and family advising University of Southern California appointments, as well as evening group meetings. The University of Wisconsin main goal is to arrive at a manageable and balanced Virginia Tech list of potential colleges and universities that are good Wake Forest University matches for the student’s individual interests and Wellesley College preferences, so each student’s college application Wesleyan University process results in desirable college options. Xavier University CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9 ARTS AND ATHLETICS

The arts are a vital and integral part of students’ experience at Allendale Columbia School. Visual art is taught in dedicated art studios and a digital lab by teachers who hold master’s degrees and are practicing artists. Instruction begins with the youngest artists in Nursery School. Middle Schoolers have both visual arts and music requirements and may choose to participate in band or chorus, as well as the annual Middle School musical. In Upper School, students may select from a variety of specific visual art electives. The music program includes performance groups like Concert Band and Upper School Chorus, as well as Advanced Placement options, and drama and theater electives are also available. AC’s Evening of the Arts event is an annual school-wide celebration featuring exhibitions of artwork, musical performances, and video screenings, all created by the talented student body.

Allendale Columbia and the neighboring Harley School maintain a joint athletic program to offer the best possible athletic options for student athletes. By combining resources, student bodies, facilities, as well as faculty for coaching purposes, both schools can offer dynamic sports programs that fully support the physical, mental, and social development of each student athlete. The HAC Athletics program provides a variety of team sport experiences including 19 varsity, 10 junior varsity, and 12 modified teams. Sports offered to AC Middle School and Upper School students include boys and girls soccer, boys and girls , , , boys and girls , boys and girls , boys and girls bowling, , , and track and field.

For Upper Schoolers, physical education, independent study, or interscholastic athletics are offered during each sports season; during both the 9th and 10th grades students must participate in one season of an interscholastic sport.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10 “With the transition of moving our family across the country, selling a home, leaving a school we were deeply in love with, saying tearful goodbyes to our friends and loved ones...all during a pandemic, AC has filled our hearts with such joy and ease.” - New Parent, Nursery, 1st, 3rd grade students

SCHOOL LIFE

Special events play an important role at Allendale Columbia School. They allow everyone in the AC community – students, faculty, staff, and parents – to pause the busy academic year, engage in fun activities, and celebrate with the school community. While AC celebrates and values traditions, they are not “traditional” and many of their beloved traditions have evolved over the years to maintain the integrity but also modernize and acclimate to today’s students. Blue/White day is a favorite tradition of school-wide athletic competitions that originated at the Columbia School over 100 years ago. Students in grades 1-12 are still divided into two teams as they were years ago (blue and white) and older students are paired with younger ones. Together they enjoy a picnic then compete in a variety of field events and contests with new team events throughout campus each year.

Other traditions include Homecoming, Holiday Breakfast, and a number of end-of-the-year celebrations including Commencement. Some unique annual special events created by AC alumni, faculty, staff and students include: Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Kite Day (a tradition since the 1950s) in Lower School, the kindergarten bake sale that uses proceeds to purchase clothing and toys for the Hillside Children’s Center, the Strawberry Breakfast in spring, Heritage Dinner, Evening of the Arts, and Innovation Day.

AC knows that learning happens beyond the classroom. Middle and Upper School clubs are run by students (and at least one faculty member), allowing them to express themselves, explore subjects of interest to them, make a difference, and have fun. Every year, the selection of clubs is as diverse as students’ interests. Offerings are available for every interest and include Classics Club, Drama Club, Environmental Club, French Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Muse (literary arts magazine), Synergy (yearbook), and TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool, among others.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11 A central focus among students, their families, faculty, and staff is making an impact on the community. AC partners with dozens of organizations to offer opportunities that provide students with authentic learning experiences. Each year, students conceptualize, lead, and participate of service projects, public events, and performances regionally, nationally, and internationally. Some of the opportunities students and teachers participate in include traveling to Costa Rica to rebuild schools, partnering with Genesee Country Village and Museum (GCVM) and the Rochester Institute of Technology to design an app for GCVM, and volunteering throughout the city reading, cleaning up, gardening, and mentoring.

Allendale Columbia School was the first school in their region to transition to remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to making this transition, the teachers were trained in digital platforms and online learning tools to make the transition seamless for students, who only missed one day of learning while other schools suspended curriculum for weeks and even months. The faculty and staff not only proved they were flexible and ready for any challenge teaching during a pandemic would bring, they were sure to focus on the social and emotional well-being of their students. Student Success Teams worked with entire classes, small groups, and individual students to ensure all aspects of the child were healthy, not just their academic progress. The school counselor partnered with local health professionals to host workshops and Town Hall meetings for parents, providing resources and tools that could further support AC’s students during an unpredictable and anxiety-provoking time. After the end of the school year in early June, administrators continued to work to plan for the reopening of school in September. AC was one of the only schools to open full-time, five days a week, for all students in grades N-12 while still offering a remote option in all grades to families who preferred their children stay home.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 12 CAMPUS

Allendale Columbia School’s 33-acre campus is located on the east side of Rochester between Brighton and Pittsford New York. Surrounded by birch trees and Allens Creek, the campus provides a serene environment where students learn, grow, and explore, whether in the organic garden, creek, or on the school’s nature trails.

AC has two athletic centers, two playing fields, a large courtyard, and a modern playground for students to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. In the Dining Commons, students enjoy healthy and sustainable meals in a family-style setting, and the auditorium, the Curtis Performance Center, offers state-of-the- art equipment with theater-style seating. Spacious classrooms border lounge spaces for students to study, relax, and socialize. The school is a spacious 120,000 square feet, yet comfortable and cozy.

Other campus highlights include the Rumsey Library, the Bruce B. Bates Design & Innovation Lab; eight science labs (including three STEM labs, four science labs, and one science room); five computer labs and multiple mobile carts; and over 300 computers, 100 iPads, 20 SMART Boards, and school-wide wireless coverage. Arts facilities include three music classrooms, two art studios, and a digital art lab.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Rochester is New York State’s third-largest city, with an urban population of 206,000. Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the scenic Finger Lakes region, Rochester was named America’s “most livable city” in 2007 and ranked by Forbes in 2010 as third-best place to raise a family. Rochesterians experience four distinct seasons, with comfortable summers, beautiful fall foliage, an average annual snowfall of approximately 100 inches, and a variety of small ski resorts within 40 minutes’ drive.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 13 The Rochester metropolitan area is home to more than a million residents, who benefit from the relatively low cost of living, reasonable commute times, and strong public schools. A highly educated community, Rochester and the surrounding region host a high concentration of colleges and universities which drive much of the economic growth in the area. The University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and many top-quality private colleges and community colleges call the city home.

Rochester is a strong cultural city, with numerous institutions such as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, George Eastman Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, and many other arts organizations. Eastman, the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, was one of the outstanding philanthropists of his time, donating more than $100 million to various projects in Rochester, including establishing schools of music, medicine, and dentistry at the University of Rochester.

While a bustling city, Rochester has many parks and green spaces for visitors and residents alike to enjoy; Highland Park (which hosts Rochester’s annual Lilac Festival), Durand Eastman Park, Genesee Val-ley Park, and Maplewood Park were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. A high number of golf courses also dot the area, including Oak Hill Country Club which is often included in America’s top 100 courses.

Allendale Columbia is located in a suburban area to the south of the city, near several country clubs close to fields and farms, and within a short distance of the Harley School. Rochester is five hours’ drive from New York City.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The new Head of School of Allendale Columbia will join a proud and strong family with long traditions and an appetite to leverage the strength of its programs and people. After carefully considering and rejecting the possibility of consolidation with another independent N-12, AC emerged with renewed

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 14 faith in its culture, current strengths, and future potential. This critical decision elicited great moral and financial support and the Head of School must sustain momentum and lead the school forward at this critical juncture in its evolution.

Building upon the strengths and traditions of the school’s 130-year history, the Head of School will collaborate with the community to solidify and articulate an exciting and compelling comprehensive vision for AC’s future and develop strategies to ensure its successful implementation. Further clarifying the school’s identity within the competitive local market will drive enrollment, fundraising, and garner increased support among AC constituent groups and the greater Rochester community. Foundational to the success of these efforts will be working with the Board to more fully build out a 3-5 year operational plan.

The school is primed to maximize the impact of its innovative programs, capitalizing on Rochester’s culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that has enabled its transition from a manufacturing to knowledge-based economy with growth in a variety of industries including bio-tech and life sciences, and alternative energy. The recent launch of the AC’s Little School provides opportunities to build early alliances with young millennial families; at the same time, a loyal alumni base, many of whom remain in Rochester, are ready to be tapped for leadership and donor support.

The Head of School must also be keenly aware of and sensitive to the current tensions in Rochester concerning extreme poverty and Black Lives Matter. AC is justifiably proud of the diversity of its student body but recognizes not only that the faculty and leadership of the school must also reflect greater diversity, but that moving beyond numbers in order to ensure a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming culture is both essential and a challenge.

The Head of School will rely on an existing exceptionally strong leadership team to support daily operations while working with the Board to align a vision for the school’s future and the financial model to support it. Balancing the costs of supporting aging buildings and systems and attending to the morale

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 15 of a top-notch faculty and staff who remained loyal during merger considerations, while at the same time ensuring a strategic perspective for AC’s long-term viability, calls for an energetic and entrepreneurial leader.

The Head of School of Allendale Columbia will be attracted by the intimate feel of the AC community as exemplified in its fabled “family lunch,” the peaceful and deeply wooded campus with nature trails, the vibrancy of nearby downtown Rochester, and the opportunity to lead a school eager to join forces with a passionate, empathetic, and visionary community builder and educator.

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The Allendale Columbia community is seeking a Head of School who possesses a proven leadership and educational background to ensure the school continue to advance its trajectory to prepare students “to make an impact locally and globally.” The school seeks a Head who builds connections and fosters relationships through wisdom, courage, and inspiration. The school is interested in candidates who demonstrate the following qualities and qualifications:

• An inspirational, confident, dynamic, and visionary leader; • An educator who is personable, warm, visible, and dedicated to building community; • One who demonstrates a genuine and authentic personality with high EQ and clear integrity; • An excellent communicator who can make a highly persuasive case for the value of an Allendale Columbia education; • An effective fundraiser and friend raiser; • An effective recruiter, who retains and supports excellent faculty and staff dedicated to the highest standards; • A collaborative manager who can build a team and delegate well; • A steward who exhibits good decision-making processes and skills, as well as business acumen; • An educator who possesses a growth mindset and is innovative and forward thinking; • Understanding of an enthusiastic commitment to strategic external affairs, including admissions, fundraising, marketing, and broader community involvement.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence for an exploratory conversation. Qualified applicants for the position will ultimately need to submit by email the following separate documents (preferably PDFs):

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position; • A current and comprehensive résumé; • A statement of educational 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:

Peter O’Neill Janet Durgin Senior Consultant Senior Consultant [email protected] [email protected]

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