Kents Hill School Kents Hill, Maine Head of School July 1, 2017 kentshill.org The Search Group at
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The Position
Vision Statement Committed to the individual and the potential that lies within, Kents Hill School challenges students to grow into engaged, creative learners, global stewards, and compassionate leaders.
Statement of Mission At Kents Hill School we educate our students in mind, body, and character to: • Prepare for the challenges and opportunities of higher education; • Accept and respect themselves and others, and work together for the common good; • Be responsible stewards of our natural environment and Kents Hill School’s community heritage; • Embody the ideal that one man or woman of principle can always make a difference.
Kents Hill School specializes in the individual, and the new Head of School will be charged with continuing to further the School’s mission to provide students with an educational experience that shapes them into well-rounded young adults. This is an exciting opportunity, as the new Head is positioned to put Kents Hill School on a trajectory towards making it an even more exceptional school. The community at Kents Hill School is unmatched. The successful Head of School candidate will be a committed and strong leader, able to earn the trust of the community and inspire passion. The community seeks a leader with a clear vision who can implement change, while ensuring their opinions are heard and valued. Above all, the new Head of School should fall in love with Kents Hill School, its history, and appreciate the splendor of the beautiful landscape it sits upon.
Statement of Goals • • • • •
To create a stimulating academic community where students become life-long learners; To build each student’s confidence, leadership, and sense of self; To promote athletic competition and sportsmanship; To inspire creative expression and an appreciation for the arts; To encourage the community to value diversity, to accept differences, and to embrace a global perspective.
Core Values At Kents Hill School, we live by ten words, which represent the core values that guide the entire community and together represent Leadership: Altruism, Compassion, Courage, Friendship, Honesty, Perseverance, Responsibility, Scholarship, Sportsmanship, Tolerance.
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School History Kents Hill School was founded in 1824 as the Maine Wesleyan Seminary by Luther Sampson, a veteran of the American Revolution. Sampson, a native of Massachusetts, came to Kents Hill with the intent to use his wealth to benefit society and glorify God. He believed deeply in the importance of educating youths, and together with Elihu and Susanna Robinson, they opened the Seminary. The student body included both males and females from the day it opened, making Kents Hill School one of the oldest continuously operating coeducational schools in the country. Beginning with Dr. Henry P. Torsey who became headmaster in 1844, the School saw the addition of numerous buildings and academic programs. Torsey oversaw the construction of Sampson Hall − named for the School’s founder − which still serves students to this day. Over the years, Kents Hill School has also added an observatory, a conservatory of music, a working farm, several athletics facilities and fields, and many other new buildings and outdoor areas. Kents Hill School celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1924. Today, the School steadfastly maintains its mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for young people that instills a life-long love of learning and gives students a foundation to grow into responsible, independent, thoughtful, and active adults.
The School Kents Hill School prides itself on the individualized education it provides to all of its students. As a coeducational, college preparatory, boarding and day school, KHS serves approximately 250 students in grades 9-12. With an average class size of 11, teachers know students on a personal level and each student is cared for with compassion and empathy. Students see the School as their second home, and treasure the relationships they have with the faculty. They view the faculty − and the School community as a whole − as a second family. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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College Enrollment Graduates of Kents Hill School recently enrolled at the following colleges and universities, among others: • Allegheny College • American International College • Assumption College • Bates College • Bently University • Binghamton University • Boston University • Bowdoin • Bryn Mawr College • Carleton University • Clarkson University • Colby • Connecticut College • Denison University • Dickinson College • Elon University • Florida Institute of Technology • Guilford College • Lesley University • New York University • Northwestern University • Princeton University • Rhode Island School of Design • Saint Mary’s University • Stonehill College • United States Coast Guard Academy • University in Spain • University of Denver • University of Maine • University of Redlands • University of Rhode Island • University of Southern California • Vassar College • Washington and Jefferson College • Wesleyan University • Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Kents Hill School provides diverse offerings in fine arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs and encourages each student to find what he or she is passionate about in a safe and accepting environment. Self-discovery and learning are highly prized, and the faculty is committed to helping students grow in ways that are most important to them. A team approach is used in the education of each and every student. The community lives by a set of core values that are embodied in all aspects of daily life at the School. There is a strong support network led by faculty and administrators who are readily available to the students as advisors, coaches, and mentors. The trophy case at KHS celebrates numerous awards and accolades. In 2003, the School was one of 12 in the nation to receive the Siemens Foundation Award for achievement in science and mathematics Advanced Placement programs. Kents Hill School was also a recent faculty recipient of the Harvard Singer Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. Accredited by NEASC, the School holds memberships in the Cum Laude Society, the College Board, NAIS, NACAC, NEACAC, CASE, ISANNE, and MAIS. KHS completed its 10year reaccreditation process with NEASC in 2007.
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Academics The academic program at Kents Hill School is rigorous and designed to prepare students for higher education while providing them with a supportive learning environment. Self-discovery and ethical scholarship are highly prized, and each student is prepared to value a life of learning, the wonder of the arts, the beauty of our environment, and the importance of diversity of thought and experience. All classes are college preparatory courses and NCAA/College Board approved. The curriculum includes more than 100 courses from an expanding spectrum of disciplines. Technology training is a component of all classes. Regular and honors courses are part of all disciplines and Advanced Placement courses are offered to juniors, seniors, and postgraduate students. The fine arts are an important aspect of education at KHS, and students can choose from a plethora of visual and performing arts courses that provide them opportunities to explore and express themselves. Kents Hill School recognizes that each student’s educational journey is unique. Classes are small and the faculty is poised to assist students in order for them to best achieve their greatest potential. A postgraduate program is also available to high school graduates who wish to spend more time in an academic setting in order to better prepare them for college. This yearlong program is beneficial for students who wish to enhance their chances of college placement by improving existing grades, exploring new courses, and increasing SAT and ACT scores.
Akin Learning Center For students who have mild to moderate learning differences, Kents Hill School offers access to the Akin Learning Center. The Center has been part of KHS since 1979, making it one of the first such programs in a private school in the nation. The mission of the Center is to provide students with the support and resources they need in order for them to achieve academic success and independence. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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The Learning Skills Program is well known for providing the right kinds and degrees of encouragement, while helping students acquire strong learning and advocacy skills for college and beyond. Students meet with teachers during the regular school day. All students enrolled in the Learning Skills Center are mainstreamed into regular college preparatory classes.
Student Life Student life is vibrant on the campus of Kents Hill School and the community is tremendously closeknit. In the residence halls, students discover a safe and happy place to call home during their time at school. Whether boarding or day, each student belongs to a residence hall. There, students take part in regular meetings about community life and can discuss topics about school and residence life with faculty members and peers. Most faculty live on campus, some with spouses, children, and pets, which brings a welcome sense of warmth and family to student life. Clubs and activities abound on campus. Students are encouraged to find their niche and passion by exploring the wide offering of activities. Whether serving on Student Council, advocating for a political cause, performing in or building sets for a play, writing for the school newspaper, or being part of an athletic team, there truly is something for every student to enjoy. Weekends are busy and exciting times at Kents Hill School. On campus, there are always opportunities for students to enjoy their free time, whether shooting pool in the Student Center, singing karaoke with friends, or using the fitness center. Students also take full advantage of the school’s location near the state capital, as well as its proximity to towns like Portland and Boston. Trips are often planned to go shopping, to the movies, or to go skiing at Sugarloaf. Students take day trips to climb or hike in the lush wilderness that surrounds Kents Hill School. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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Physical Campus The Kents Hill School campus has seen tremendous growth and expansion since its founding. At 400 acres, the School boasts a variety of modern academic facilities, a state-of-the-art athletics center and turf fields, visual and performing arts centers, an on-site alpine training facility, and five miles of trails for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Newly renovated buildings seen on campus are a testament to the School’s commitment to the future, including the brand new state-ofthe-art dining commons.
Kents Hill, Maine The School is proud of its location in the hamlet of Kents Hill, located in the town of Readfield in central Maine. Readfield sits 12 miles from Augusta, the state’s capital, and is less than a threehour drive to Boston. A popular recreation spot in Maine, the area offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including access to some of the finest areas for skiing, hiking, rafting, cycling, and more. As part of the Belgrade Lakes Region, Readfield is home to nine lakes and ponds. The area hosts numerous shoreline events, concerts, and festivals each year. Maine is famous for its rocky coastline, maritime history, and abundance of parks and reserves − including the famous islands of Acadia National Park and the wilderness of Baxter State Park − as well as its seafood cuisine, especially clams and lobster. The state is peppered with lakes and rivers, mountains and lush valleys, and small charming towns. It is only a short drive away from the neighboring states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, as well the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.
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Opportunities and Challenges As Kents Hill School begins it search for a new Head of School, it presents abundant opportunities to interested candidates. KHS boasts an unusually long history and a community that shares common values and great affection for the School and its mission to serve its students. The School’s campus is large and attractive; there are an array of new and renovated buildings that attest to the School’s long-term strength and ambitions. The Board of Trustees is engaged, knowledgeable, and supportive. Kents Hill School’s next Head will have the opportunity to lead a school community that stands ready to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of each of its students. The next Head of Kents Hill School will be charged to: • Build on the existing strong sense of community that provides individual attention to students to help them achieve their full potential as students and people. • Address enrollment challenges and find ways to balance the expansion of both the international market and domestic market, including day student enrollment. • Continue to attract, support, and retain a high-quality faculty and leadership team. • Increase gift giving, revenue streams, fundraising outreach, and grow the endowment. • Establish clear, open communication practices with the community to build trust and accountability. Listen well and follow through on promised actions. • Be an active participant with an informed Board of Trustees to establish and implement the strategic directions and goals for the future. • Renew traditionally strong ties with all alumni. • Continue to renew and enhance School facilities to support effective learning practices and maintain a safe and secure environment.
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Qualifications and Qualities Head of School
of the next
Strong candidates for this position will bring many of the qualifications and qualities listed below. The Search Committee emphasizes that it seeks the best person to become the next Head of KHS. S/he may or may not have pursued the typical track to become Head of a New England boarding school. From whatever background and experiences, strong candidates will demonstrate compelling evidence of a commitment to excellence and a willingness to go “all in” as the leader of the Kents Hill School community. • • • • • • • • • • •
An inspiring, visionary, and charismatic leader, driven by the School’s mission and values. Forward-thinking while respectful of the rich traditions of Kents Hill School. The ability to deliver results in sustainable fundraising and revenue generation. A commitment to promoting strong academic performance with an emphasis on character development. Excellent communication skills. The ability to support and, as needed, modify the strategic plan and deliver results consistent with goals established in the plan. A commitment to promoting strong academic performance with an emphasis on character development. Approachable, visible, engaged; eager to get to know – and be known by – all members of the School community. A consensus-builder. A transparent and collaborative approach to problem solving, while being comfortable and effective in making and explaining decisions. A desire to embrace life in Maine for a long tenure as Head.
To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably as PDFs) the following materials: • • • •
Cover letter expressing communicating your fit with the values and needs of Kents Hill School Current résumé Statement of educational philosophy and practice List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each to:
Peter Philip peter.philip@carneysandoe.com Senior Search Consultant
Fred Wesson Burke Zalosh fred.wesson@carneysandoe.com burke.zalosh@carneysandoe.com Senior Search Consultant Search Associate
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