Episcopal School of Jacksonville

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1 E D U C A T I O N A L L E A D E R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T Y: Serving more than 850 students in grades 6 12, Episcopal School of Jacksonville offers a balanced college preparatory program of challenging academics, exemplary arts activities, and competitive athletics within a warm, supportive, and achievement oriented environment rooted in Christian values. Episcopal School of Jacksonville JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA Head of Upper School FOR A POSITION TO BEGIN IN JULY OF 2014, ESJ IS SEEKING A CREATIVE AND VISIONARY EDUCATIONAL LEADER WHO CAN BUILD UPON THE UPPER SCHOOL S OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE. EPISCOPAL SEEKS A FIRST-RATE TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR WHO WILL EMBRACE ALL ASPECTS OF THE ESJ MISSION WHILE SUPPORTING AND CHALLENGING THE TALENTED FACULTY IN THE PURSUIT OF THOUGHTFUL INNOVATION. Beautifully situated on the St. Johns River, Episcopal provides students with a world class education within a remarkable Christian community. The community encourages all of its students and graduates to live a life guided by Christian values and a commitment to serving others. Episcopal graduates attend the nation s leading colleges and are leaders in their communities and industries. The school s unique blend of outstanding academics, competitive athletic programs, and distinguished artistic accomplishments has positioned Episcopal to become one of the nation s most respected independent schools. Chartered by the Episcopal Diocese of Florida through St. John s Episcopal Cathedral, ESJ provides a solid spiritual foundation through daily devotions and weekly chapel services while welcoming students of all religious denominations and backgrounds. Translating values into action, Episcopal students each year volunteer thousands of hours to local nonprofit organizations. The school is situated on an attractive 56 acre campus in central Jacksonville, enhanced by a 28 acre sports complex two miles to the east. As Episcopal prepares to celebrate its 50 th anniversary in 2016, the new Head of Upper School will be called upon to offer the forward looking leadership necessary to position ESJ for continued pre eminence in teaching and learning. On the web: APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2014

2 THE SCHOOL AT A GLANCE Founded: 1966 as Episcopal High School of Jacksonville; renamed in 2011 Location: 56-acre main campus in central Jacksonville; 28-acre sports complex 2 miles to the east enrollment: 856 Middle (6-8): 302 Upper (9-12): 554 % of student body belonging to racial/ethnic minorities: 13% Full-time faculty: 93, 59% with advanced degrees Average faculty tenure: 14 years Student/faculty ratio: 10:1 Average class size: 17 Endowment: $6.2 million (for financial aid/scholarships) and $7.8 million (for retirement of existing $7.18 million debt) Operating budget ( ): $18.3 million tuition: Middle School: $19,250 Upper School: $19,950 MISSION The mission of Episcopal School of Jacksonville is to provide a superior college preparatory education in an environment marked by high expectation, Christian nurture, and social diversity. Through a balanced program of academics, arts, and athletics, Episcopal s faculty seeks to instill in each student intellectual growth, character development, responsible leadership, and a commitment to community service. Financial aid awarded: $3.05 million (including faculty/staff awards) % of students receiving aid: 30% Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Southern Association of Independent Schools, Florida Council of Independent Schools, Episcopal Board of Regents Member: National Association of Independent Schools, National Association of Episcopal Schools 2

3 DEFINING STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF THE SCHOOL Since its founding in 1966, Episcopal has displayed unique qualities that set it apart from other schools in Florida. In an environment that honors both Christian values and academic rigor, ESJ encourages students to strive for excellence while seeking personal growth across many dimensions. Members of all constituencies describe a school community that motivates students by setting high standards and offering support as they challenge themselves intellectually, artistically, athletically, and spiritually. Though still a relatively young school by independent school standards, ESJ has amassed a loyal following of veteran teachers, involved parents, accomplished alumni, and dedicated trustees. It is indeed this very strong sense of community that ultimately distinguishes ESJ from other superb educational institutions. More than a school, it is a home, a community where individuals care for one another and the world around them. Parents support the school in innumerable ways, including through volunteer service organized by one of the three parents groups: the Parents Association, Athletic Boosters, and Fine Arts Nurturing Students (FANS). The primary focus of the Parents Association is on volunteer service. The group welcomes new parents, sponsors several informational programs, and supports faculty and student activities. The strength of the school family was never more evident than in the days and months following the tragic death in March 2012 of Head of School Dale Regan, who had served Episcopal for 34 years, including six as its Head of School. Former Head of School Charley Zimmer, who had retired in 2006 after nine years as Episcopal s leader, stepped in once again to guide the school for the past two years. He plans to step down in July 2015; a search for the next Head will be launched this spring. THE STUDENT BODY Episcopal enrolls a talented and diverse student body, beginning with a class of 40 students in grade 6. Admissions interest is strong, and the school has met its enrollment targets in each of the past two years. ESJ welcomes students from all religious backgrounds; approximately 30 percent of the families are Episcopalian. This year, more than $3 million in aid was provided to 30 percent of the student body, including children of faculty and staff. Episcopal students are an articulate, poised, and active group with a broad range of interests and talents. Each year, they earn recognition in multiple local and regional competitions for their performance in academics, performing arts, and athletics. The 141 student Class of 2013 had four National Merit Semifinalists, seven Commended Students, one Hispanic Scholar, and one Achievement Scholar. Average SAT scores for the Class of 2012 were 1205 on the SAT 1600 and 1783 on the SAT The average ACT Composite score was 26. ESJ graduates attend the nation s most selective institutions. Recent graduates are attending highly competitive schools such as Duke, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Vanderbilt, Washington & Lee, Stanford, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Virginia. Typically, 80 percent of graduates qualify for Florida s Bright Futures Scholarship, so ESJ students also are well represented at the state s best public universities. THE FACULTY Episcopal s talented faculty is dedicated to the school s mission and to the development of each student. The 93 member faculty includes many veteran teachers, and the average tenure is now 14 years. More than half of the faculty hold an advanced degree. According to a recent benchmarking study, faculty salaries are competitive with those of other FCIS schools. An important strength of the school lies in the many roles that the faculty enthusiastically play: teacher, coach, advisor, mentor, community service volunteer, and club sponsor. 3

4 Episcopal invests heavily in professional development for its faculty and staff. In 2013, Episcopal embarked on the first of a three year professional development program made possible by a generous gift to the school. The gift will total $120,000 over three years and will enable Episcopal s academic and administrative leadership to implement a comprehensive program to enrich the school s strong instructional and intellectual community. The donor s significant contribution will be over and above the school s already substantial professional development investment, creating an opportunity for every member of the Episcopal faculty to explore brain research and its implications for innovative and results based teaching and learning. LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES Episcopal s main campus, the Munnerlyn Campus, is situated on 56 acres along the south bank of the St. Johns River in central Jacksonville. It includes a 28 acre estate that was willed to St. John s Cathedral in The Great Oak, a majestic live oak that graces the heart of the campus, is a signature feature. In 2004, the school opened the beautiful Munnerlyn Center for Worship and Fine Arts. The Center houses the Chapel as well as extensive arts facilities including a 700 seat theater, a dance studio, and band/orchestra and chorale rooms. In addition, the school boasts a 130 seat mini theatre. ESJ s newest facilities, Parks and Lastinger Halls, opened in January These attractive twostory buildings, clustered around an outdoor plaza, include twelve 900 square foot classrooms designed to support 21 st century teaching methods and technologies. Each classroom is equipped with 16 small tables on wheels, enabling the rooms to be configured in multiple ways. Corkboards and interactive whiteboards cover three walls in each room; audio and video systems as well as wireless access are incorporated throughout. A first rate science lab, dedicated to the memory of Dale Regan, was added last year. Episcopal s 28 acre Knight Sports Complex, located along the banks of the Arlington River just two miles from the main campus, houses practice fields, cross country trails, and the strikingly beautiful Walton Boathouse and Riverfront Activity Center. The master plan envisions extensive further development of athletic facilities on both the Munnerlyn and Knight campuses, including upgraded entrances, expanded tennis facilities, a new stadium and turf football field, and relocated softball diamonds. ABOUT JACKSONVILLE With a growing population, a strong economy, diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, and abundant natural resources, Jacksonville ranks as one of the nationʹs most dynamic cities. It is the largest city in area in the continental United States, boasting more than one million residents in a metropolitan area bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Osceola National Forest. Consistently rated one of the nation s top cities for business, it is home to the headquarters of three Fortune 500 companies. Its convenient location, warm climate, and family friendly quality of life have made it a popular relocation destination. With more than 100,000 acres of parks, Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the country. Other amenities include miles of beaches and waterways, a major symphony orchestra, museums, and a sports and entertainment complex. As the home of the NFLʹs Jacksonville Jaguars, the city hosted the Super Bowl in The region has more than 70 public and private golf courses. 4

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAM Episcopal School of Jacksonville offers a rigorous liberal arts experience centered on the principles of balance, perspective, and character building. All students are encouraged to pursue excellence in multiple dimensions, supported by robust programs in the arts and athletics. Close faculty student relationships are the norm, and each student is assigned an advisor with whom they meet four days a week. The level of integration of the Middle School and the Upper School is an important strength of the ESJ community. Middle School students have access to Upper School programs and varsity athletic teams where appropriate, At the same time, they feel safe in an environment with students their own age and with faculty and learning methodologies dedicated to earlyadolescent education. The presence of Middle School students in classes and on teams affords Upper School students mentorship opportunities not often found in high school. An Honor Code governs school life at ESJ. Every student, teacher, staff member, parent, and guardian is charged with advancing the cause of integrity and making honor pervasive in the community. When a breach occurs, adults investigate and determine if the matter should go before the Honor Council. The Honor Council, composed of Upper School students, determines if the Honor Code was violated and recommends consequences. The Upper School offers more than 100 courses in nine academic areas, including 23 AP and 19 Honors classes. In 2013, ESJ students sat for 465 AP exams in 223 subjects, earning qualifying scores of 3 or higher on 79 percent of those tests. Graduation requirements include four years of English and math; three years of social studies and lab sciences; a foreign language through level three; three semesters of physical education; two semesters of theology and fine arts; and one semester each of computer science and public speaking. Language options include Spanish, French, Latin, and Chinese. Student bonding opportunities are a highlight of the Upper School program. For the past 20 years, ninth graders have participated in the Freshman Orientation Adventure, a fourday camping and whitewater rafting trip in Northern Georgia held in August. Seniors participate in a two day offcampus retreat each September. Community service is integrated throughout the Episcopal experience. Upper School students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved community service during their four years, although many go well beyond those requirements. Students work in a variety of local settings, including a student led summer camp, and have participated in mission trips to a Navajo reservation and to the Dominican Republic to work with orphans. Global initiatives are increasingly being emphasized. In addition to the mission trips to the Dominican Republic, students may participate in exchange programs with schools in Spain, France, and Germany, with plans to expand programming into China and Rome, Italy. The Spanish program is partnered with the Colegio Inglés in Zaragoza, Spain, and the French exchange program is partnered with Lycée Largenté in Bayonne, France. Latin students are partnered with a school with a heavy focus on the classics in Munich, Germany, and will both host and visit students from Wilhelmsgymnasium, a school with a more than 450 year old history. In school offerings include a Model United Nations program. The schoolʹs World Affairs Club offers students the opportunity to research and debate global issues. 5

6 COLLEGE COUNSELING Episcopal s comprehensive college counseling curriculum begins with evening programs for parents of eighth grade students and continues throughout all four years of Upper School through a variety of formal and informal workshops and meetings. Three full time college counselors and one part time counselor work with families in the college selection process; they also attend national and regional association meetings and spend time on college campuses each year. Counselors work with academic advisors, the student, and parents throughout a student s high school career to identify courses and outside activities that will best qualify the student for his/her target school. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Complementing the school s mission to provide students with the academic foundation and skills necessary to succeed at the college level, Episcopal s technology program is steadily evolving. In addition to the extraordinary technological resources available in the two newest classroom buildings, Episcopal s campus offers several computer labs, special Mac computers used in fine arts classes, and full wireless access. Students are encouraged to bring laptops and tablets to campus for classroom use. Episcopal is in the second year of a carefully planned, three year implementation of an ipad program. In the fall of 2012, all faculty received an ipad for personal and professional use. That school year was devoted to faculty training, study, and research, as well as the development of classroom specific curricula to capitalize upon the ipad s benefits. Beginning in the fall of 2013, all sixth through ninth graders were required to have an ipad for classroom use. During phase three (the school year), the program will be expanded to include grade 10 and to incorporate a data plan that will allow anytime, anywhere access. RELIGIOUS LIFE While deeply Christian in its orientation, Episcopal School of Jacksonville welcomes students of all religions and traditions. Weekly chapel services anchor school life in worship and reflection. Chapel attendance is required and all are encouraged to participate as fully as their religious traditions allow in the services, which are guided by the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. An annual Baccalaureate and occasional services are also held at St. John s Episcopal Cathedral. Opportunities for spiritual growth extend to the classroom through a comprehensive theology curriculum that includes the study of scripture, theological exploration, and ethical living. Theology course requirements include two semester long theology courses for Upper School students. Students may also choose to participate in a number of bible studies and devotional groups offered throughout the school week. Students, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to share their spiritual journeys with the school s Chaplain and Associate School Minister. THE FINE ARTS The arts constitute a signature strength of the Episcopal experience. With exceptional facilities and full time faculty in most of the arts, the school offers one of the best fine arts programs among Florida secondary schools. Many students go on to prestigious fine arts programs in college. Performance arts disciplines include dance, band, chorus, and theater (including technical theater and theological arts). Joyous and uplifting, the performing arts are often integrated with the spiritual message of the 6

7 school in chapel performances. In addition to instrumental ensembles, Episcopal offers students the opportunity to create and record original music in music production classes. The visual arts program at Episcopal emphasizes creative problem solving through the production of artwork utilizing various media. Instruction is offered in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, and art history, with Honors and Advanced Placement classes available in most disciplines. The Berg Gallery provides an attractive space for rotating student, faculty, and alumni exhibits. ATHLETICS More than 70 percent of Episcopal students participate in the school s robust athletics program, which includes 66 teams in 19 programs at the Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. In keeping with the Episcopal philosophy of encouraging students to challenge themselves, most Middle School teams follow a no cut policy, and one Upper School sport each season offers a nocut option. Athletic offerings include: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, crew, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, weight lifting, and wrestling. Coached by both faculty members and outside coaches, Episcopal teams have won numerous district, regional, and state titles. OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL ESJ is approaching its 50th anniversary in excellent shape. A well respected institution with an inspiring mission, solid programs, appealing facilities, stable finances, and a committed faculty and staff, Episcopal is well positioned to move forward with confidence. The new Head of Upper School will be expected to provide visionary leadership in curriculum and faculty oversight for a division that will encourage thoughtful innovation. ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE The new Head of Upper School will join a high functioning senior administrative team that offers an appealing blend of experience and fresh perspectives. At present, the school operates with a broad based administrative structure that includes both an external and internal group of senior administrators. The external group, which reports directly to the Head of School, includes the Directors of Admissions, Institutional Advancement, Security and Safety, Human Resources, and Facilities as well as the Chief Financial Officer and the Chaplain. Also reporting to the Head is the Assistant to the Head of School, who provides direct oversight to the senior internal administrative group. In addition to the Heads of the Upper and Middle Schools, the internal team includes the Director of the Counseling Center, Director of College Counseling, Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Director of Community Service, Director of Athletics, Director of Fine Arts, Director of Student Activities, and 7

8 Director of Technology. The Upper School Department Chairs and the Upper School Dean of Students report directly to the Upper School Head. Faculty members are directly supervised by the Department Chairs. While the Upper School Head holds broad oversight responsibility for all activities involving students and faculty in the division, the existence of this strong team of administrators means that, in practice, the Head of Upper School is free to focus primarily on curricular and faculty leadership. For the academic year, the Assistant to the Head of School has assumed most of the responsibilities associated with the Head of Upper School s position. With a Head of School search on the horizon next year, the administrative structure may well undergo some changes in the years ahead. However it evolves, though, the new Head of Upper School will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in the academic leadership of the school. THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM Episcopal School of Jacksonville prides itself on offering a traditional, rigorous Upper School curriculum with a strong emphasis on Advanced Placement and honors offerings one that prepares students well for higher education. At the same time, the school s leadership recognizes that the educational program must continue to evolve in response to changing expectations and best practices. The curriculum requires constant fine tuning and refreshing, building upon initiatives such as the current ipad rollout. ESJ is also interested in expanding its global education offerings and its attention to the implications of cutting edge brain research. Like most independent schools, ESJ continues to enroll some students with learning challenges, whom the faculty must be equipped to serve well. The continued development of the well respected college counseling program is also a strategic priority, with a focus on ensuring that top colleges and universities are well acquainted with the school. To oversee this commitment to thoughtful curricular innovation, the faculty will welcome a new Head of Upper School who is knowledgeable and open minded about current developments in independent school education. THE FACULTY The next Head of Upper School will inherit a talented, strong, and stable faculty with an average tenure of 14 years at ESJ. ESJ s Upper School Head essentially serves as a Dean of Faculty, charged with inspiring, supporting, evaluating, and when necessary confronting teachers who fall short of the school s high standards. Among the most exciting opportunities awaiting the new division head is the oversight of the $120,000, three year professional development grant provided by an extraordinarily generous donor. Ensuring that these funds are invested wisely and in ways that will directly improve educational outcomes will be a key priority for the new Head of Upper School. Also vitally important is the development and implementation of well articulated policies related to evaluation and professional development coupled with open communication and a culture of accountability for all. The faculty will welcome a new Upper School Head who will offer fresh insights to the perennial challenges of program overload and scheduling. In a school community that is noteworthy for its embrace of parents as partners in the educational process, teachers are eager for a division head who can tactfully set clear and appropriate boundaries for parents participation. 8

9 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Episcopal School of Jacksonville is seeking an experienced and successful Upper School educational leader with a demonstrated capacity to engage a talented faculty in the continuing pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. While the Head of Upper School is not required to be an Episcopalian, he or she must be sincerely and intellectually committed to the Episcopal identity and character of the school. ESJ is seeking for its next Head of Upper School: An inspiring, creative, and collaborative academic leader with a compelling and powerful vision of 21 st century education that is consistent with Episcopal s mission and core values. A talented leader of faculty who is committed to professional development and who has the capacity to support, evaluate, mentor, advocate for, and encourage teachers at all career stages. An effective manager who will set high standards, delegate effectively, and enforce accountability. A well rounded educator who values academics, spiritual development, the arts, athletics, and service learning. A diplomatic, tactful, and consensus building leader who projects strength of character, consistency, firmness, and decisiveness in his or her interactions with students, faculty, and parents. An outgoing and affable person who is eager to engage fully in the life of the school and who genuinely enjoys interacting with students, teachers, and parents. The successful candidate should possess: Solid academic credentials, including an advanced degree from a well respected institution. A record of success as an Upper School teacher and administrator, ideally in an independent school of high quality. Exceptional communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening. Knowledge of and interest in best practices in upper school curriculum and pedagogy, including the appropriate use of technology to support 21 st century learning. The capacity to demonstrate respect for tradition while also promoting thoughtful innovation. A warm, gracious, and kind personality. Episcopal School of Jacksonville is committed to diversity. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. 9

10 ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: January 3, 2014 Selection of semifinalists: January 13, 2014 Semifinalist interviews: January 25-26, 2014 Finalist visits: Weeks of February 3 and 10 Appointment: February 2014 Start date: July 1, 2014 THE SEARCH PROCESS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Acting on behalf of Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting talented educational leaders who possess the skills, personal qualities, and experience necessary to meet the demands of this rewarding and challenging position. The lead consultant is Susan Walters (swalters@wickenden.com). She can be reached at Applicants should submit by Friday, January 3, 2014, the following: A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. A current résumé. A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting material (e.g. articles or speeches) that would be useful to the Search Committee. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.) These materials should be transmitted via attachment to searches@wickenden.com. After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will select semifinalists, who will be interviewed over the weekend of January 25 26, Finalists and their spouses, if applicable, will then be invited to the school for a more comprehensive series of interviews with representatives of the school s constituencies. Ideally, a final selection will be made no later than late February. Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process. NOTE: Candidates who are new to Wickenden Associates are particularly encouraged to initiate the application process as soon as possible and well before the deadline Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Website: searches@wickenden.com 10