June 26, 2018 | Update from Bill O'Shea

Dear Parent(s) of Alumna(e),

I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the Search Committee as we begin the search process for MMA's next Head of School.

We are grateful to have Sister Christine McCann serving as Interim Head of School and are already benefiting from her extraordinary leadership and wisdom. Sister Christine will stay on as Head School for the upcoming academic year while we conduct a search for the new Head of School.

The search process we are planning, supported by Carney, Sandoe & Associates, a consulting firm with significant experience in independent and Catholic school leadership search, is protocol-driven and built on extensive constituent engagement throughout the process. The Carney Sandoe team will be visiting with us on July 17 and 18. During this visit, meetings will be held with constituents, including faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumnae, as well as the Board of Trustees and Search Committee. These meetings will serve to deepen Carney Sandoe's understanding of our school and to assist the Search Committee in identifying the opportunities and challenges confronting MMA and our new leader in the months and years ahead.

Following the two-day visit, a community survey will also be distributed broadly to the MMA community. If you have received this email from me, you will also be receiving a link to the community survey. This survey is simple to complete, but a very important element of the search process.  In addition to seeking your thoughts on a variety of key issues affecting our school, you will be asked to share your thoughts regarding what you value most about Merion Mercy Academy and the leadership qualities and qualifications you seek in our next Head of School. This survey will also provide you with an opportunity to nominate potential candidates or suggest individuals whom you believe may be helpful in our networking efforts. I encourage you to take the time to complete this survey.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your support. This is an exciting opportunity, and we look forward to your assistance throughout the search process and beyond.  

Sincerely,

Bill O'Shea
Incoming Chair, Board of Trustees
Chair, Head of School Search Committee