and Board chair and calming the fears of the local Montagnolians. You have done a saving work here, and the TASIS Foundation Board is deeply in your debt and sad to see you leave us. David V. Hicks, TASIS Foundation Board, Veteran Educational Leader and Writer
Outstanding Leadership
Headmaster Michael with Chairman of the Board Lynn Fleming Aeschliman ‘63
absolutely outstanding Headmaster. Jane and I are grateful that we were TASIS parents during the time he led the School. Michael Grindfors, Alumni Parent
The Exception
After a while, you start to reckon TASIS history in terms of headmagisterial reigns. The job calls for unusual diplomatic skill in juggling the demands of the owners with those of the faculty, staff, students, and parents, while keeping your own ideals and principles front and center. Michael has judged the balance well, while dealing kindly, articulately, professionally, and when necessary firmly with all the constituents. Some headmasters are leaders and some managers. Michael is the exception in succeeding in both these roles while maintaining his sense of humor and his ability to be a fun sports buddy and a happy family man. Paul Greenwood, Veteran Physics Teacher
A Better Boss
In my career I have had the privilege of working for several bosses. Probably the worst of them was….me. That boss, in the end, sold the company and never wanted to be boss of me again. So what did boss Michael do better than boss Max? Where do I start! Michael listened. Michael didn’t rush to decisions. Michael didn’t take things personally. Michael remained calm. Michael remained pleasant. Michael defended his team. Michael involved others in the process. In the end, Michael is making Max a better boss. Thanks for being a role model. Max Gygax, TASIS Business Manager
Magical Powers
You came to a needy school with a culture damaged by a succession of controversial and contentious headmasterships, and you inherited a relatively new and inexperienced Board. From my distant perch it seemed you possessed magical powers — able as you were to repair these foundational deficiencies while moving the School forward, advancing the campus dreams of its founder TASIS TODAY - 14
During the past five years as TASIS headmaster, your first experience in this role, you have far exceeded the lofty goals set by yourself and the Board on a yearly basis. This you achieved following a turbulent period in the School’s history with constant turnover of headmasters and faculty. In my 40 years at TASIS, I can state unequivocally that you have been the most effective, successful headmaster in the School’s history. The School has grown from strength to strength and you have reestablished the School’s ethos and mission to reflect Mrs. Fleming’s vision. Fernando Gonzalez, Board Member of TASIS, TASIS England, and the TASIS Foundation
A Remarkable Leader
From day one, Michael encouraged me to reach beyond what I thought was possible. Thanks to his belief in me and in our vision, we have a thriving Middle School today. Michael’s support, guidance, trust, positive energy, and constructive criticism challenged me in ways I never imagined. Michael’s legacy still challenges me every day, and I continue to become a better teacher, leader, and administrator, but perhaps more importantly, a better person. MJ Breton, Middle School Dean of Student Affairs
Filo da Torcere
Sin dalla prima informazione che ho ricevuto su di te, mi sono detta “è un tipo intelligente” poiché sono venuta a sapere che avresti mandato i tuoi figli o nella Sezione Italiana o in una scuola pubblica. In effetti, in questi anni di lavoro insieme, ho avuto la possibilità di apprezzare il tuo desiderio di integrarti con la comunità locale, in ogni sua forma e sfumatura. Non immagini quanto sia stato importante per gli insegnanti non madrelingua sapere di poter parlare con il preside nella propria lingua madre, o anche solo leggere o sentire qualche parola familiare in un comunicato o discorso ufficiale. Mi auguro che il tuo percorso e la tua apertura culturale servano da esempio per i tuoi successori. Al contempo mi auguro che tu e la tua famiglia portiate un po’ di questo vecchio continente nel vostro Paese così che l’orizzonte culturale d’oltreoceano possa essere arricchito tenendo vivo lo scambio reciproco. Io stessa mi sento cresciuta e maturata professionalmente grazie alla collaborazione con te, perché, bisogna dirlo, mi hai sempre dato filo da torcere! Guia Berera, Head of the Italian Section