Message from the Head of School

How Do I Say Good-Bye to this Community?

FOR THE past 12 years, I have had the great privilege and honor to be a part of this extraordinary school—a time that has been filled with joy and pride for all that we have accomplished in service to our mission and students. So as my tenure ends, the question for me is “How do I say good-bye to leadership in a community where I served with both my head and my heart?” The only way I see to move forward is to look back and say thank you for the many wonderful experiences and relationships this community has provided to me for more than a decade. Thank you to my wife and daughter for your unwavering support, patience, and understanding when my workdays often carried over into evenings and weekends. Even in the most challenging times, your enduring love has given me strength.

Thank you to current and retired faculty, staff, and administration.

I will forever cherish the sincere and warm welcome I received when I arrived in 2009, and your continued support over the years. Every day, I have been in awe of your excellence in serving the mission and your never-ending dedication to giving your students the very best education.

Thank you to students..

...from the seniors who honored me in my first year by putting my face on a popsicle stick during Spirit Week to the Class of 2021, many of whom I’ve seen grow up here. You make me proud, along with all students this year, for showing tremendous adaptability. My days were always more joyful when I visited your classrooms, watched you perform, or cheered you on the athletic fields.

Thank you to parents...

...for your trust and partnership and for the countless hours you put in to help make Country Day the best school for our students. Our dedicated and amazing parent support groups are always committed to doing what’s right for this community. And so many parents stepped up and stretched over the past few years to help us fulfill a dream to make our campuses all they could be for our children.

Thank you to the Board of Trustees...

...for your endless support of me and for the forward-thinking vision you bring to the school. Importantly, you have always taken an intentional, student-first approach to your decision making. Over the years, I’ve forged strong friendships that I will continue to cherish in the years ahead.

Thank you to alumni...

...for the many conversations I’ve had with you about your alma mater. Your pride helped me to relive your wonderful moments on campus and gain a sense of our enduring legacy. Whether just a few years out or an alum for decades, so many of you stand by the school and continue to offer your vision so that we may continuously improve.

Thank you to everyone who gave your time, talent, and treasure to help Country Day grow into a school that stands apart in the educational experience we offer our students. Our school could not serve students the way it does without your support.

Twelve years ago, Margaret Gragg Bissell left this school in an excellent place, and I’ve done my very best to continue Country Day’s legacy of continuous improvement. I am confident that this community and the Board will select the right leader to keep us moving forward.

As I look ahead to the next chapter in my educational career, as the managing director of the John M. Belk Endowment, I will forever cherish my time at Country Day and my 32 years in education. I will miss seeing students daily. Each one has a story, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to have played a role in helping them become their very best selves. I leave satisfied and proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. And I am excited to see what’s next for Charlotte Country Day School.

With deepest gratitude,

Mark Reed

Head of School