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York School

Head of School Search

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT For July 1, 2019 9501 York Road, Monterey, California 93940

York School opened in 1959 in Pacific Grove with 12 boys in the 7th grade. Rev. Emod Brunner, the first headmaster, along with Bishop Morse and the first trustees, launched the school with a firm eye on college preparation, academic rigor, and whole life skills. From the beginning, there was a commitment to providing access to a world-class education for motivated students from a wide variety of backgrounds. In 1964 the school moved to its current location on land secured by the McIntosh and Bishop families near the old Laguna Seca Ranch. The main campus classrooms and Day Hall (originally Bishop Block Building), a multipurpose building and dormitory, with kitchen, dining room, and study hall, were constructed. Six years later in 1970 York phased out boarding and welcomed girls, becoming the first preparatory school on the Peninsula to become co-ed. In 1983 extensive campus remodeling included the addition of the $1.5 million Maurine Church Coburn Activity Center, including the chapel, gym, theater, and central commons. York celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 1999 by launching its first capital campaign, the result of which was a 7,700-square-foot Science Building, the first green building in Monterey County. The building incorporates a solar energy system and 30 environmentally sustainable elements.

Deadline: July 1, 2018 www.york.org Independent Day School: Grades 8 - 12

YORK AT A GLANCE

Founded: 1959

Grades: 8 - 12

Enrollment: 214

International Students: 19

Size of Senior Class: 48

Average Class Size: 13

Number of Full Time Faculty: 28

Percent of Faculty with advanced degrees: 78% for 2018-2019

Tuition 2018-19: $35,050

Annual Operating Budget: $6,848,871 (preliminary for 2018-19)

Percent of Budget Allocated to Tuition Assistance: 25%

Percent of Students receiving Financial Assistance: 47%

Average Financial Aid Award: $16,243

1,663 Contactable Alumni

Professional Affiliations: WASC (accreditation), CAIS, NAIS, ICG

HISTORY

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Mission We inspire and prepare a diverse community of creative, independent thinkers. Inspire and Prepare York School’s solid reputation as a leading college preparatory school on the Central Coast results from the combination of a broad liberal arts curriculum, advanced STEAM courses and innovative teaching methods that provide excellent academic preparation for collegiate studies and beyond. Students are encouraged to

be risk takers both in and out of the classroom. All athletic teams allow students to play on a team regardless of their skills or experience. All players are welcome so that students who have never tried a sport are encouraged and supported to participate.

In 2009 York School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a year-long series of Think Forward Forum lectures, a school-wide “Lorax in the Schools” service day, and a gala celebratory event. The school also undertook a fundraising campaign as part of the 50th anniversary that raised $3 million for financial aid and faculty professional development. Two years later Outdoor Laboratory property was acquired from the U.S. Army – 100 acres of the former Ft. Ord property were officially transferred to the School. The York Outdoor Lab allows students to stay connected to nature through research and restoration at a time when connection to nature is tenuous. This space is also home to soccer, field hockey and lacrosse fields as well as a scenic cross country trail. In 2014 York celebrated its 50th Commencement on May 31 with 50 members of the Class of 2014 and a procession of alumni representing 33 classes. In the spring of 2014 York raised funds at the annual auction gala to create a design shop on campus, which was completed in the winter of 2015. In the spirit of the maker space movement, York’s Design Shop is a facility for designing, fabrication, hands-on learning, and creative problem solving. The shop includes a laser cutter and a robotics room with tools such as a lathe, a drill press, a bandsaw, and a vertical saw. The Design Shop’s main room is a large open space with modular, collaborative furniture where computer science and code and design classes meet. Other classes use the space as well, including ancient history students who recently designed models to represent what they are studying in class. Additionally, $1.2 million has been raised for a 400-seat outdoor theater, to be named the Gawain Family Theater. Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2018.

MISSION & VALUES

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An Inclusive Community Throughout its history York School has created a welcoming community, by embracing diversity of all types; creating equity and inclusion. Our commitment to nurturing exceptional students from all backgrounds informs our dedication to developing cultural literacy within our community through exposure to voices from multiple perspectives. It is our firm belief that growth, intellectual and personal, is best achieved through campus-wide open dialogue. The York School community affirms both our differences and commonalities, and we encourage individuality, mutual respect, and empathy. York students feel safe to try new things and are known and supported. To support the broad range of our students’ cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, perspectives, and talents, a strong need-based tuition assistance program supports approximately 47% of our students, twice the national average for independent schools. Our exceptionally qualified students come from 30+ middle schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, and together, they build York's welcoming community.

Creative, Independent Thinkers York students learn how to think on their own – and to think on their feet. They embrace the excitement of learning: students are encouraged to question, debate, explore their passions, and express their creativity – in the classroom, on the playing field, and on the stage. The end result is students who are confident, genuine, thoughtful, and well prepared for lifelong achievement.

Values An exceptional academic experience that attracts and develops creative and intellectually curious

students, preparing them for higher education and meaningful, productive lives. Access to the highest-quality education for students of diverse talents and all socioeconomic

backgrounds. A distinctive community that is intentionally small and inclusive and based on fundamental principles

of honesty, respect, and responsibility.

ACADEMICS

Building a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning, York’s academic program focuses on helping students acquire knowledge and skills needed to address 21st century problems and opportunities. Students are encouraged to develop habits of heart and habits of mind that will serve them well in high school, college, and the rest of their lives.

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York inspires and prepares students by fostering creativity and independent thinking, stimulating curiosity, cultivating inquiry, and championing novel solutions. York’s academic program provides students with opportunities to cultivate their minds, investigate new curricula, participate in myriad activities, and ultimately, build academic confidence. The curriculum is centered on developing what students understand (knowing) and teaching them how to use knowledge (doing). In a rapidly changing global society, knowing how to access, analyze, and apply information, and being able to work collaboratively to create new solutions, will be critical to success.

York believes in the benefits of a growth mindset: embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeing effort as the path to mastery. It’s about trying new things, not just staying in the familiar safety zone, and realizing that intellectual and social growth requires effort, risk taking, and determination. York’s academic program develops students’ abilities to: write, speak, and think clearly; apply the scientific method to better understand and analyze real world situations; have a detailed understanding of past world events and be able to see the similarities and threads that

connect history and lead to cause and effect; utilize mathematical knowledge to solve unfamiliar problems in both concrete and abstract situations; understand and appreciate culture

that is different from one’s own; be conversant in a modern foreign

language; locate information sources, evaluate

them, and use them efficiently and effectively.

Students are met at the crossroads of their interests and their needs. They are encouraged to boldly explore knowledge and discover what they have yet to learn about themselves and the world.

CURRICULUM

SERVICE LEARNING

York’s service learning program emphasizes the value of service rather than just providing manpower without thought or reflection. Students identify a social issue or community need--literacy, hunger, animal welfare, health, etc.-- they wish to address and either work with an existing non-profit or create their own activity to address the issue. Students investigate the roots of the issue, design projects and solutions, and report on the ways their service helps solve problems and helps them grow as individuals. In nine of the past 14 years, a York student has been named the Outstanding Philanthropic Youth for the Central Coast at their community’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration.

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In 2016 York began a new program that recognizes students who have achieved excellence in developing the knowledge, skills, empathy, and leadership required to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world: York’s Distinguished Global Scholar Certificate. To earn the certificate and designation on the York diploma, students must demonstrate success in these areas: advanced achievement in World Language (Study through York Advanced Studies Level IV of a

modern world language) activity involving global communities, which can include coursework with an international focus,

globally focused clubs or organizations, and/or a globally focused service activity international travel-learning experience completion and presentation of a project that brings together what has been leaned in and out of the

classroom In an effort not only to teach students about other cultures, but also to immerse them in new customs, habits, and perspectives, York encourages students to spend part of the summer studying abroad with CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange). York has been designated a CIEE Global Navigator School, one of approximately100 select schools in the United States. York is the only school in the country where every student is guaranteed a merit award of at least 30% of the program cost if they choose to participate in a CIEE summer program. Many York students also receive an additional need-based scholarship from CIEE for this program. Merit and need-based scholarships for York students traveling with CIEE are made possible by a York donor.

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

FUTURE LEADERSHIP

The Board of Trustees of York School is conducting a national search to identify a new Head of School. To that end, and to assist them in clarifying the goals and challenges the new Head will face, Marcus Hurlbut and Jo Butler of Educators' Collaborative solicited input from members of the school community during an on-campus visit and by means of an electronic survey. Those interviewed and surveyed included faculty, administrators, staff, parents, trustees, and alumni. Based on this input and the impressions of the

consultants, as well as input from the Search Committee, the following represents a summary of York’s strengths, the challenges it faces in the next three to five years, and the qualities and traits the trustees and the School seek in the next Head of School.

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STRENGTHS

Mission. The York School mission to “inspire and prepare a diverse community of creative independent thinkers” is embraced by all constituencies of the school—students and parents, faculty and staff, trustees, and alumni. Diversity and Inclusion. The school was founded on a commitment to educate creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds in an exceptional academic program with a collaborative student-faculty environment. The commitment to diversity is in the school’s DNA—socio-economic, racial, ethnic, cultural, skills, and talents. The result is a unique culture that is seen as a central strength of the school. Exceptional Academics. York enjoys a reputation as the premier academic program on the Central Coast due to its broad liberal arts curriculum, advanced STEAM courses, innovative teaching, and multiple extra-curricular opportunities. Academic excellence is a point of pride for students and faculty. Close-knit Community. The 7 to 1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students are known and supported. The school prides itself on close relationships between students and teachers, the manner in which those new to the community are welcomed and accepted, and the supportive environment where students feel safe to be their true selves. Faculty. Years of low turnover among faculty helps create strong academic leadership and a special connection to the school for students, parents and alumni. The faculty is dedicated to the school and willing to go the extra mile for the students. Stable Leadership. York has enjoyed 16 years of capable leadership under Chuck Harmon and a supportive Board of Trustees that combines a healthy balance between parents, alumni and members of the larger community. Campus. The school is situated on 125 acres on the side of a hill with breathtaking views throughout the open inviting campus. There is an attractive 3-bedroom house for the Head of School with a large patio overlooking the hillside.

CHALLENGES

Enrollment. York School is experiencing enrollment challenges similar to many independent schools across the country, although the demographic dip in the number of mission-appropriate school-age students on the Monterey Peninsula is expected to ease in 2020. The next Head of School will need to build on efforts to articulate the value proposition of York.

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Faculty Transition. After years of very low faculty turnover, some anticipated retirements have occurred this year, and more are on the horizon in the next few years. The next Head of School will have the opportunity to hire faculty for key positions, but also will face the challenge of ensuring that the essence of the York experience is protected and nurtured as new faculty come on board. Finances. The school is in a financially stable position. However, changing demographics in the area will require the next Head of School, along with the Board of Trustees, to think creatively about additional revenue sources and ways to position York to capitalize on the evolving demographics. Changing needs of students. As the school has diversified its enrollment, an increasing number of students with learning differences have entered the school. This coupled with the school’s commitment to include a relatively small percentage (9%) of international students places increased emphasis on student support. QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEXT HEAD OF YORK SCHOOL

The Board of Trustees at York School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications for the Head of School position from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women. Ideally, candidates should offer most of the following attributes: A warm, engaging and personable leader who genuinely loves young people and is accessible, visible

and interested in participating in all aspects of school life; An excellent communicator who is open to change and understands the importance of the

development of relationships both within and outside the school community; An enthusiastic, positive leader who values the York mission and the many advantages inherent in a

small school where everyone is known and appreciated; A vocal champion of the school’s commitment to academic excellence and to educating the whole

student; An academic leader with classroom teaching experience and/or openness to the possibility of teaching

as a way to engage with York students; A leader who demonstrates creativity, a knack for problem-solving, an openness to different approaches

to teaching, and who understands and applies design thinking; A leader who exhibits the human aspects of leadership: humility, openness to constructive input,

ability to foster a culture of good communication among constituent groups; A willing, and preferably experienced, fundraiser with strong financial acumen and interest in thinking

strategically and creatively about the financial model, enrollment, and potential sources of revenue outside tuition;

A leader capable of preserving and fostering the internal York community as well as engaging and developing relationships with the greater outside community served by York School;

A leader with strong management skills who emphasizes transparency in the administration and operation of the school; and

A moral leader who understands the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect.

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SUMMARY OF THE SEARCH PROCESS

Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials by July 1, 2018: EC Cover/Summary Sheet (Contact Marcus for that document) A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee Resume Statement of educational philosophy A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone numbers and email

addresses) Up to three letters of reference may be submitted Application materials are to be sent, electronically via email, as a single WORD or PDF document to:

Marcus Hurlbut, Partner, Educators’ Collaborative, LLC mhurlbut@educatorscollaborative.com

Jo Butler, Partner, Educators’’ Collaborative, LLC

jbutler@educatorscollaborative.com Candidates are encouraged to speak personally with Marcus Hurlbut (949-279-3084) or Jo Butler (609-577-2473)