New Head of School

INTRODUCING ALLEN-STEVENSON’S 8TH HEAD OF SCHOOL: DUNCAN LYON

“I am deeply honored and inspired to join the AllenStevenson community as Head of School. The engaging boys with whom I met sold me on the school; they embody the qualities every parent and educator holds dear. Those purposeful conversations were amplified by similar ones with faculty, staff, administration, parents, alumni, and trustees. I look forward to our collective work as we build upon David Trower’s legacy and fulfill the best aspirations for this fine school.” —Duncan Lyon

On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, it was announced that Duncan Lyon will join Allen-Stevenson as the 8th Head of School on July 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint him after the enthusiastic and unanimous recommendation by the Search Committee.

Duncan Lyon is currently in his 11th year as Head of School at The Carey School, a leading 93-year-old Pre-K to 5th Grade independent school of 272 students in San Mateo, California. Mr. Lyon began his teaching career at his high school alma mater, the esteemed San Francisco University High School, where he coached basketball, worked on the admissions committee, taught history, and served as a senior dean for eight years. He then moved to New York to work at Dalton, where he taught history, was the assistant high school director, and, for a year, assistant to the school’s chief financial officer. In 2004 he returned to the Bay Area to become the Middle School Director at Bentley School in Berkeley, ultimately being promoted to the role of Assistant Head of School and managing the K-8 campus of the two-campus K-12 school of 700 students.

During his time as Head of School at The Carey School, Mr. Lyon has established a strong partnership among faculty, students, parents, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. He completed two capital projects on time and on budget and led two strategic planning processes. Enrollment under his leadership has increased by 10%. He has also implemented an effective faculty growth and evaluation model (including one for himself), led productive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts, and enhanced his school’s brand and recognition for excellence.

Members of the Allen-Stevenson community who met Mr. Lyon during the search process were extremely impressed by his candidacy. Here are a few quotes from the feedback received:

“He has the personality, the experience, the skills, and the sensitivity to lead our school.”

“This is a man who has clarity about what our school can be and how to create a culture that will help us develop our passions and strengths. His vision is in line with who we already are striving to become.”

“He is knowledgeable, articulate, and authentic in his manner and speech. He seems to possess a strong moral and ethical compass which he uses to guide his professional choices.”

“Duncan exemplified the qualities that Allen-Stevenson tries to instill in our students. In my time with him, Duncan exhibited empathy, intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Mr. Lyon is joining Allen-Stevenson at an exciting time in our school’s history. Allen-Stevenson is nearing the completion of a major enhancement of its learning facilities, implementing newly defined strategic priorities, and continuing to develop the curriculum with an incredibly dedicated and talented group of faculty and staff who are eager to build upon these new initiatives.

Metin Negrin, President of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, said in his letter to the community, “We are confident that Mr. Lyon’s experience, character, and values align with the School’s and that he is the right person to guide AllenStevenson as it continues to educate boys who are passionate learners and compassionate achievers.

“As we express our tremendous excitement about the School’s future under Mr. Lyon’s leadership, we will be celebrating the numerous and significant contributions that David Trower has made to our school, our boys, and our community. Early next year, we will begin hosting commemorations to honor Mr. Trower and his incredible legacy here at Allen-Stevenson, in addition to events welcoming Mr. Lyon to our school.”