New Head Announced at Saint George’s School

Saint George’s School, a premier K-12 independent school in Spokane, WA announced this morning its selection of Joe Kennedy to be the next Head of School. Currently the Head at West Sound Academy (Poulsbo, WA), Joe will follow in the footsteps of Mo Copeland, who has capably led SGS for the past decade.

ISA directed the search for Saint George’s, engaging the school community in a thoughtful and intensive process.  SGS received over 50 applications, from which they selected seven semi-finalists that included current and former heads of school, division directors, and senior administrators from across the country. Following lengthy deliberation, the search committee identified three finalists with the professional expertise, personal qualities, leadership style and passion for education needed to move Saint George’s forward to a new level of excellence. All three finalists made 2-day visits to campus, and the entire community had opportunities to meet and learn more about the candidates, as well as offer feedback to the search committee.

In his letter to the SGS community, Board chair Mark Ostersmith wrote, “Joe brings the key skills, personal qualities, professional expertise and broad experience that SGS needs at this important juncture in time.  He has a proven record of success – trustees, faculty, parents and colleagues in his previous schools speak of him with admiration and gratitude, citing his ability to lead a community through challenging times and build confidence in and commitment to the school’s mission.” [Read the full letter and more about the search here.)

Congratulations to Saint George’s as they welcome Joe Kennedy as Head of School on July 1, 2011!