March 5, 2024
Original publish date: February 16, 2024
Greetings, MPA Community –
I am pleased to provide this initial update on the progress of launching a comprehensive national search for Mounds Park Academy’s fifth Head of School. To ensure that the community has opportunities to be informed, engaged, and provide feedback, I offer the following:
- you are formally invited to a listening session as detailed below;
- you are welcome to participate in the community survey linked below;
- our head of school search website is live and can be found here;
- our dedicated email address, headsearch@moundsparkacademy.org, has been established for you to communicate with the search committee chair, communications director, and me to share your thoughts and provide feedback.
As I shared earlier this week, selecting our next head of school is one of our community’s most important decisions. It is more than just finding a leader to serve in that capacity; this is an opportunity for us to build upon Dr. Hudson’s legacy and collectively shape our community’s future.
We are committed to ensuring a thorough and diligent search process, and we look forward to your engagement in the exciting journey ahead.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Scott Knox
MPA Parent
Chair, Board of Trustees
headsearch@moundsparkacademy.org
Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,
It has been an emotional week for the Mounds Park Academy community. Dr. Hudson’s announcement that he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year has provoked an outpouring of gratitude for his extraordinary 11 years of leadership at MPA. I’ve also heard many express excitement as we think about the next step for the school, built upon the strong foundation Dr. Hudson helped advance. And, of course, it’s natural that we also feel a sense of loss mingled with our happiness for Dr. Hudson and his husband, Ross, as they begin to look ahead toward an active and fulfilling retirement.
As you know, the board of trustees has initiated the process to select the next head of school. I have the honor of serving as the head of the search committee, which is comprised of a broad section of Mounds Park Academy stakeholders, including school staff, alumni, parents, and trustees. The search committee and I are committed to an open and transparent process and ensuring that the next head of school is as passionate about the school’s mission and values as the MPA community.
A little bit about my background: I have been a trustee since 2020. I’m the parent of two proud Mounds Park Academy alums, Jack ’16 and Kate ‘18. I do not need to reiterate all the many reasons why the school is so wonderful—you already know that! But I will say how profoundly grateful I am that my family got to Mounds Park Academy. It provided an environment that allowed my kids to thrive academically and personally. I joined the board of trustees hoping to give back to an institution that gave my family so much. During my time as a trustee, I have been inspired and impressed by the trustees’ and administration’s dedication to the school.
Don’t miss the engagement opportunities detailed below. You will receive regular communications as the search progresses. For now, please know that we begin the search from a position of strength. The school’s reputation, academics, and culture are strong. This will allow us 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.
Sincerely,
Betsy Van Hecke
MPA Parent of Alumni
Chair, Search Committee
headsearch@moundsparkacademy.org
