Message to the Tower Hill Community January 17, 2014

Dear Tower Hill community member,

 

I hope that you and your family had an enjoyable and restful holiday break. I am writing to share with you two important developments as we look at our future leadership of Tower Hill.

 

First, I am delighted to announce that Harry Baetjer will serve as the Head of School for the remainder of this academic year and the upcoming 2014-2015 academic year. All of us in the Tower Hill community are deeply grateful to Harry for the steadfast and thoughtful leadership he has given to the school since being appointed Acting Head in October 2013. Harry’s commitment to Tower Hill and his enduring dedication have been evident since he joined the school in 1970. His strength of character and steady guidance have been apparent to everyone, especially during the difficult months of last fall. The Board of Trustees looks forward to Harry’s positive leadership over the next 18 months.

 

With this leadership in place, the Board will begin the search for the next Head of School. The first step in that process will be the selection of a search firm to assist the board in its efforts to recruit nationally for an outstanding leader. The selection of a consulting firm will occur during the next few months.

 

During the meetings last fall, we indicated that the search process for the prior head would be one of the matters investigated by an outside expert. This investigation will occur before any actual search commences for our next head. Therefore, any lessons to be learned from the prior search process will be incorporated into how we proceed during the coming months.

 

Once a search firm is selected, we will announce the composition of the search committee. The search itself will commence this spring and will extend into the fall of the 2014-2015 school year. As soon as the board selects a search consultant, we will update you on the process that will be used in the search. All segments of the school community will have the opportunity to share thoughts and opinions as the search develops. We are confident that Tower Hill will attract a pool of distinguished, talented candidates. A new head will take office in July of 2015.

 

Once again, we are very grateful to Harry for his unwavering leadership as the school moves forward. If you have any questions about these announcements, please feel free to contact me at eball@gse.upenn.edu.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dr. Earl J. Ball III

Chairman of the Board of Trustees