Saint John’s High School Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Principal/Chief Academic Officer July 2017 www.stjohnshigh.org
Mission Statement Saint John’s High School is a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School. A Saint John’s Catholic education is rooted in the commitment of the Xaverian Brothers to bring Christ to life in young men. For over one hundred years, a religious and lay staff has assisted students in discovering and developing their Godgiven talents. As a college preparatory school, Saint John’s fosters the formation of the whole person: spiritual, social, physical, intellectual, creative, and aesthetic. At Saint John’s, students pursue personal growth in an environment that recognizes a moral dimension of life. A challenging academic program encourages love of learning as a stimulus for continued intellectual development. Students learn to appreciate the world’s beauty while exploring, developing, and expressing their creativity. Saint John’s is a Christian community, founded upon the idea of the interdependence of individual members. In that context, students shape their identities as unique individuals with mutual obligations. Respect and appreciation for individual differences and those who comprise the larger community is an important part of the growth process of a Saint John’s student. In the tradition of the Xaverian Founders, Saint John’s High School has been committed to students from a diversity of backgrounds, and affirms its commitment to providing opportunities to families in need, to the marginalized, and the poor.
The Position Saint John’s High School is one the finest Catholic, all-boys independent schools in the country. It is best described as a premier independent school with a powerful Catholic and Xaverian mission at its core. The only all-boys school in Central Massachusetts, Saint John’s is at a very exciting and promising transition. Following the long-term and successful leadership of both its prior Headmaster and Principal, new leadership is enthusiastically seen within the community as an extraordinary opportunity to build on the past and take this well-established school to the next level. The school has hired its new Headmaster and now seeks a dynamic leader as Principal who will function as the school’s chief academic officer. The next Principal will need to be a faith-filled, practicing Catholic steeped in educational best practices and capable of leading a strong and dedicated faculty. Preference will be given to candidates with extensive classroom experience and the ability to work collaboratively with the Headmaster in achieving the ambitious goals of the school. This is truly an exceptional Catholic school leadership opportunity. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
1
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
School History Saint John’s is deeply rooted in the development of the Catholic Church in Central Massachusetts, and is a product of the first Catholic Church and first parochial school in Worcester. In 1894, four Xaverian Brothers arrived in Worcester to open Saint John’s Parish Grammar School for Boys and by 1906, the school featured a four-year high school curriculum. In 1953 the Bishop of Worcester transferred the ownership and management of the high school property to the Xaverian Brothers under the new name of Saint John’s Preparatory School of Worcester. Subsequently, the Brothers purchased an estate in the neighboring town of Shrewsbury and set the stage for the school to grow and serve all of Worcester County. In 1959, the school purchased 44 acres at the foot of West Main Street hill and by 1962, all classes had completed their transition to the Shrewsbury location and the school’s name was changed to Saint John’s High School.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
2
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
College Enrollment Graduates of Saint John’s have enrolled at the following schools, among others: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
American University Amherst College Boston College Boston University Brigham Young University Colby College College of the Holy Cross Cornell University Dartmouth College Emerson College Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Harvard College Hofstra University Johns Hopkins University Loyola University Middlebury College New York University Northeastern University Penn State University Pepperdine University Princeton University Quinnipiac College Rutgers University St. Joseph’s University Seton Hall University Skidmore College Stanford University Tufts University United States Naval Academy University of Arizona University of Colorado University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Notre Dame University of Rhode Island University of Vermont Valparaiso University Vassar College Washington University Williams College Yale University
The following decades saw tremendous growth of facilities, including the addition of numerous athletics fields and verdant spaces. In celebration of the school’s 100th anniversary in 1998, Saint John’s added the first new building in 35 years, which contains science labs and technology-equipped classrooms in addition to a variety of rooms dedicated to the fine and performing arts. As a result of the school’s Strategic Plan in 2006, the campus saw the renovation and upgrade of several beautiful buildings, including the Salem Student Commons, which treats the community to panoramic views of campus. The breathtaking addition of the 48,000 square-foot Founders Hall was completed in 2015. From brand new athletics fields and courts to administrative wings and the central Conal Hall, no part of the campus of Saint John’s has been untouched. From its modest beginnings as a school with slightly more than 100 students, to becoming a nationally recognized school that educates nearly 1,000 students today, Saint John’s remains deeply grounded in its Catholic and Xaverian values and traditions.
The School Saint John’s is one of 13 schools in the distinguished Xaverian network nationwide and occupies a magnificent 168-acre wooded campus in Shrewsbury, MA. Saint John’s enjoys a unique position in Central Massachusetts as the only all-boys secondary school in the region. It educates an average of 950 students per year and operates on a $15 million budget. The school is also financially strong and well-capitalized, with an endowment of $17 million.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
3
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
There is tremendous passion for the school among the entire community, which is deeply proud of the school’s long and storied history of serving boys and families in the Greater Worcester area. The community values the Catholic and Xaverian mission and identity but also appreciates the welcoming, inclusive culture of the school. Students of all faith traditions are welcomed, and they are encouraged to grow in their own beliefs.
Academics Saint John’s is an exceptional school with an outstanding culture of academic excellence, committed to both the Xaverian educational philosophy and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The academic program focuses on educating the whole man, and provides students with opportunities to fully realize their own potential and develop themselves multi-dimensionally, while growing in intellect, spirituality, and social responsibility. Grounded in the liberal arts, the curriculum provides a broad base for future learning, while strengthening critical thinking skills. Classes are rigorous and prepare students for success in a college environment. Graduates regularly matriculate at the nation’s most competitive universities and colleges. The school offers 25 Advanced Placement courses and 80% of the senior class takes at least one A.P. course prior to graduation. Over the past 10 years, Saint John’s has had over 500 Advanced Placement Scholars and 100 students have received National Merit recognition. Recently the School was recognized by the College Board and the Siemens Foundation as the number one school in Massachusetts in the areas of Science, Math, and Technology.
Arts and Athletics Allowing students to explore their imaginations and express themselves is crucial to the learning process. Students have access to music, theatre, and visual arts classes that help to support each student’s gifts and give them the freedom to explore their talents in both a classroom setting and in the form of extracurriculars. Saint John’s offers 16 varsity sports to its students, giving each young man the opportunity to develop not only sport-specific skills, strength, and fitness, but also to grow and learn in leadership, teamwork, and dedication. The Saint John’s Pioneers have a long history of The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
4
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
outstanding athletes and coaches who are recognized in the SJ Athletic Hall of Fame.
Campus Ministry Campus Ministry has grown in stature to become a central element in the lives of the students. The Campus Ministry Department provides opportunities for liturgy and prayer, retreats, service experiences, and pastoral care. Retreats on all levels and service opportunities including Global Encounters throughout the United States as well as in Haiti and Ecuador have added emphasis to the spiritual core of Saint John’s mission. In addition to retreats for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the Saint John’s Leadership Institute is an opportunity for members of the senior class to develop the perceptions and skills necessary to lead the study body and helps seniors prepare for a very important year in the their lives.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
5
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Student Life Without question, an important feature of life at Saint John’s is its sense of community and “brotherhood.” Students, faculty and staff, and parents alike hold the community very dear and view one another as part of a collective family. Alumni are no exception. Graduates of the school feel genuine pride in their alma mater and remain engaged socially and financially with the school after they leave. Students have countless opportunities to explore their interests and talents and involve themselves in the community. Extracurricular activities, clubs, service offerings, worship opportunities, athletics, and arts ensure there is truly something for everyone to explore beyond the classroom while building friendships and making memories.
Physical Campus The Saint John’s 168-acre campus boasts many recently updated facilities, a testament to its continued dedication to providing its students with the resources they need for an outstanding educational experience. As a result of the school’s Strategic Plan in 2006, the campus saw the addition of several beautiful buildings, including the Salem Student Commons that treats the community to panoramic views of campus. The breathtaking 48,000 square-foot Founders Hall was completed in 2015. This $15 million addition added multiple classrooms, arts spaces, and a state-of-the-art 350-seat theatre. From brand new athletics fields and courts, to administrative wings and the central Conal Hall, no part of the campus of Saint John’s has been untouched.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
6
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts The town of Shrewsbury is located in Worcester County in Central Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1727, the town saw most of its growth due to its proximity the city of Worcester and Lake Quinsigamond, which drew many visitors in the summer. Today, Shrewsbury residents number nearly 36,000 people. A classic New England town with no shortage of charm, the town is home to three Nationally Registered Historic Places. A variety of restaurants featuring cuisine from across the world dot the town, and many local favorites are popular stops for tourists. Parks and green spaces are not uncommon in Shrewsbury, and are especially enjoyed during the autumn season when the tree leaves are changing their colors. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy Lake Quinsigamond, which hosts crew regattas and boating races. While a quaint residential town, it enjoys the benefits of being a 45-minute drive from Boston and only a 10-minute drive from downtown Worcester. Worcester is a city whose culture is synonymous with that of Boston and New England. The city was named after Worcester, England, and has a population of approximately 184,000. It has many traditionally ethnic neighborhoods, including a “Little Italy” neighborhood that boasts many of the city’s most popular restaurants and nightlife. There are many dedicated community and art organizations in Worcester that host cultural and arts events year round for residents and tourists alike to enjoy. Outside of Boston, the city is the state’s largest center for the arts, with theatres and concert halls dotted throughout. Worcester is also home to some of the finest colleges in the country including College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University. It is also home to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Green spaces and parks are found generously in Worcester, including Elm Park which is on the National Register of Historic Places. While no top-level sports teams call Worcester home, the city has many semi-pro and minor-league teams, as well as prominent college teams. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
7
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Opportunities and Challenges This is a classic “take it to the next level” leadership opportunity. Saint John’s is an outstanding educational institution in every respect and seeks a new Principal who will respectfully build on the past while continuing to raise the bar on academic achievement and the overall quality of the student experience. The faculty is excited about the transition and would welcome a renewed focus on research-based best practices to ensure that they are operating in an environment of high expectations and high student achievement worthy of Saint John’s exceptional history and prominence. In addition, the community seems eager to improve the utilization of technology in the classroom. A master plan is in place which will need to be implemented by the new Principal. The recent accreditation report by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges will also need some leadership attention, especially in the area of wellness. With the increase in popularity, offerings, and success of the A.P. program, the next principal will be called to engage students, families, and faculty of its impact on the student experience, in particular student workload. And finally, although Saint John’s is a rock solid, well capitalized institution, there is a desire among the leadership and governance of the school to increase enrollments from the current level of 950 to its historic platform of roughly 1,000 students, while maintaining the quality of the student body. The Principal will have an opportunity to partner with the Headmaster and the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management in developing strategies for restoring enrollments to prior levels. There is a sense on campus that the school could do a better job raising its profile and powerful Xaverian value proposition in the community.
Qualities and Qualifications of the Position Saint John’s seeks a dynamic, high profile Principal who will function as the chief academic officer of the school. Reporting to the Headmaster, the Principal will be responsible for the day to day academic operations of the school with particular emphasis on the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning. The Principal will lead a faculty and staff of 115 dedicated professionals, many of whom bring a long legacy of involvement and passion for the school. In addition, the next Principal of Saint John’s will ideally possess the following qualities and qualifications: • A practicing Catholic who will exemplify the core values and traditions of the Xaverian Brothers. A passion for Catholic identity and mission are fundamental requirements of the Principal. • Impressive academic credentials will be expected along with an outstanding record as a classroom teacher and mentor to other teachers. • The Saint John’s community prides itself on its spirit of equity and inclusion, and expects that the next Principal will continue to welcome students and families of all faith traditions, ethnicities, The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
8
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
and socioeconomic backgrounds. • The next Principal will also be an inherently and genuinely “relational” leader who engages joyfully with the community and who is a high-profile presence on campus and in the Greater Worcester area. • A humble, servant leader is preferred, one who will partner with the Headmaster in achieving the important goals and priorities of the school while maintaining accountability and high expectations of all faculty and staff. • And finally, the next Principal should be an institution builder who can use his/her leadership platform to help grow enrollments, build enduring brand, and work closely with the Headmaster to communicate the compelling Saint John’s High School story. This is an outstanding opportunity for a leader with passion and integrity who is eager to make a difference for students, families, and an extraordinary Catholic institution.
To Apply There is no deadline for applying but candidates are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible to ensure adequate consideration. The following should be submitted by email in PDF format: • Cover letter aligning your skills, experiences, and interests with the leadership requirements of the position; • Current résumé with all appropriate dates; • A brief statement of educational or leadership philosophy; • A list of five (5) references with contact information. No references will be contacted until a serious mutual interest has been established, and not without the prior approval of the candidate.
Send to: Bob Regan Senior Search Consultant And Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice bob.regan@carneysandoe.com
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
9
search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com