Head of The Dalton School Search: Survey Results June 16, 2021
Head of The Dalton School Search Survey Results Agenda: • Background • Key Findings • Search Process - Next Steps • Q&A
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Background
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Background The Advisory Council: •
Joanna Stone Herman ‘88, Alumni Council President, P '26, '26, '33
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Tarika Coleman, First Program House Advisor, P '14
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Michael Hwang, Assistant Head of School for Operations & Chief Financial Officer, P '21, '22
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Sarah Kerman, President of the Faculty Association and High School English Teacher
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Delvida Sene, Parents Association DEI Liaison Officer, P '28, '28
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Brynja Sigurdardottir, Parents Association President, P '28, '30
The Search Committee formed an Advisory Council to help inform them by providing input from community stakeholders. The Advisory Council has been working to gather feedback from across the Dalton community, primarily through the Head of School Search survey administered by Spencer Stuart.
Survey Participation There were 2,227 respondents to the survey which included a high percentage across constituency groups: • 53% of parents • 43% of faculty and staff • 38% of students • 15% of alumni and parents of alumni
Key Findings
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Unique Brand Which three words would you use to best describe what distinguishes The Dalton School from other independent schools? (words/themes used 45 times or more)
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Areas of Focus What should be the top three areas of focus for the next Head of The Dalton School during the first three years in the position? Top Areas of Focus (across all affiliation groups) Strengthening the academic program in ways consistent with The Dalton Plan Uniting the school; Improving communication and trust among and across constituency groups Focusing on the overall student experience
Affiliation Group
Top Area of Focus
Parents/guardians of current students
Strengthening the academic program in ways consistent with The Dalton Plan
Students
Focusing on the overall student experience
Faculty
Uniting the school; Improving communication and trust among and across constituency groups
Administrators/Staff
Uniting the school; Improving communication and trust among and across constituency groups
Alumni
Strengthening the academic program in ways consistent with The Dalton Plan
Parents of Alumni
Strengthening the academic program in ways consistent with The Dalton Plan
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Leadership Capabilities How important are the following leadership capabilities for the next Head of The Dalton School? Top Leadership Capabilities (across all affiliation groups) Educational leadership experience Strategic thinking Strong manager
Affiliation Group
Top Leadership Capability
Parents/guardians of current students
Educational leadership experience
Students
Educational leadership experience
Faculty
Educational leadership experience
Administrators/Staff
Strategic thinking
Alumni
Strategic thinking
Parents of Alumni
Educational leadership experience
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Career Experience How important are each of the following types of prior career experiences for the next Head of The Dalton School? Top Career Experiences (across all affiliation groups) Effective communicator Leadership role in a K-12 school Management experience
Affiliation Group
Top Career Experience
Parents/guardians of current students
Effective communicator
Students
Effective communicator
Faculty
Effective communicator
Administrators/Staff
Effective communicator
Alumni
Effective communicator
Parents of Alumni
Effective communicator
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Professional Attributes How important are each of the following professional and personal attributes for the next Head of The Dalton School? Top Professional Attributes (across all affiliation groups) Transparent and effective communicator Building trust and confidence Making difficult decisions
Affiliation Group
Top Professional Attribute
Parents/guardians of current students
Building trust and confidence
Students
Transparent and effective communicator
Faculty
Building trust and confidence
Administrators/Staff
Transparent and effective communicator
Alumni
Transparent and effective communicator
Parents of Alumni
Transparent and effective communicator
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Emphasis Going forward, The Dalton School should place more or less emphasis on the following areas: (distribution of responses, sorted by ‘just right’ highest to lowest)
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Summary Dalton Characteristics
Head of School Criteria
• Progressive
• Educational leadership experience
• Creative
• Effective communicator
• Diverse
• Strong manager
• Academic excellence
• Ability to build trust across constituencies
Key Areas of Focus/Emphasis • Academic excellence consistent with The Dalton Plan • Focus on overall student experience as well as student character and empathy • Reimagine the DEI program • Unite the school
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Search Process - Next Steps
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Search Process - Next Steps
§ Spencer Stuart and Search Committee will finalize a compelling position specification based on community feedback and post to the Head of School Search webpage § Spencer Stuart to be active in the market, identifying and recruiting top talent § The Search Committee will be active through the summer, meeting and evaluating candidates .
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QUESTIONS?
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