Town Hall Meeting: Search for the new Assistant Head
Posted March 24, 2011
Several Friday afternoons each year, Crefeld students split into groups to discuss pressing issues in Town Hall Meetings. This past Friday, March 18th, was one of our most momentous meetings yet- students were asked a series of questions surrounding our current search for a new Assistant Head of School, and then asked to give any other thoughts on the subject.
The students were thoughtful and mature, and truly gave a full, well-rounded view of how they see the role, what kind of person they are looking for, and how they view their school in general. The resulting input will be used by the search committee when they begin interviewing position finalists. Additionally, the search committee will include two current students who will be representatives for the entire student body.
Here are just a few student responses for each question:
What should the new Assistant Head know about Crefeld?
- We are unlike any other school
- Each kid has a different way of learning and expressing all the places they want to go (academically)
- Students play a big role in the school
- We are asked to dig deeper in order to get our diplomas
- Crefeld is focused on making the academic process fun
What characteristics should the new Assistant Head possess?
- Intelligent, thoughtful, funny, fun-loving
- He/She should get to know the student body; take students seriously
- Progressive, empathetic, a dog lover
- Have the ability to learn new ways of doing things
- Be able to understand more than one side of an issue
- Not afraid to take risks
- Still have a kid inside of them; still knows how to have fun
What questions should the committee ask the candidates?
- What can you bring to Crefeld that you think is important?
- What are your opinions about progressive education?
- How will you be able to help students?
- Why Crefeld?
- What did you like and dislike about high school? How does that influence the way you do your job?
Other thoughts from our students:
- This is a good process
- Candidates should each give a speech at Morning Meeting, where kids should be able to ask them questions directly.
- It will be hard to balance the merits of an external candidate (fresh perspective), versus an internal candidate (knows the school)
