February 14, 2024
Original publish date: February 13, 2024
Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,
In its 42-year history, Mounds Park Academy has benefited from extraordinary leadership shaping and guiding its mission, values, and growth. This has certainly been true since Dr. Bill Hudson assumed the role of head of school in July 2013. When Dr. Hudson informed the board of trustees of his decision to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, I was both sad and excited. I am sad because Dr. Hudson has been such an effective, nurturing, and visionary leader, but I am excited as we think about the next step for MPA, built upon the strong foundation he helped advance.
Dr. Hudson will leave Mounds Park Academy more vital and vibrant than when he arrived in 2013. In his years leading our community, he has been an exemplary steward and champion of the Mounds Park Academy mission and vision, and his legacy will leave an indelible mark on MPA. During his tenure, Mounds Park Academy set a foundation for long-term financial sustainability, reimagined the school’s curriculum for the 21st century and beyond, successfully navigated a global pandemic, and redeveloped a strong sense of community. But perhaps above all, Dr. Hudson’s tireless work to strengthen a diverse, inclusive, and joyful community where students and members of the MPA family realize they are welcome and loved and can learn and thrive is his crowning achievement. These ideals are embedded in every division and embraced by the tremendously talented faculty and staff Dr. Hudson and his team assembled and cultivated.
I share Dr. Hudson’s sentiment that we are fortunate to search for the new head of school from a position of strength. I am confident in our ability to attract a dynamic and committed leader who will continue to uphold our mission and values and guide young people with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
As we prepare to search for the fifth head of school in our history, we have retained Carney Sandoe & Associates to lead the search with a search committee chaired by Betsy Van Hecke. Betsy is a current trustee and the parent of alums from the classes of 2016 and 2018. In a subsequent message on Friday, February 16, I will communicate more about the search process, but for now, be assured the board is taking every step necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Please find information below about the first opportunity to engage with the process and save the dates.
I thank Dr. Hudson again for his 11-year dedication and commitment to Mounds Park Academy. I look forward to many moments celebrating his distinguished tenure during the next 18 months. It has been my privilege and honor to work alongside him. I look forward to working with our board of trustees, faculty and staff, and the broader community to ensure that Mounds Park Academy remains the genuinely unique and special community it is today as we envision together all it can be tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Scott Knox
MPA Parent
Chair, Board of Trustees
