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. HEAD OF SCHOOL Episcopal School of Jacksonville JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA FOR A POSITION TO BEGIN IN JULY OF 2013, ESJ IS SEEKING A CREATIVE, DECISIVE, AND VISIONARY EDUCATIONAL LEADER WHO WILL BUILD UPON A SOLID FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE. EPISCOPAL SEEKS AN INSPIRING LEADER AND A SUPERB COMMUNICATOR WHO WILL EMBRACE AND EMBODY THE ENTIRETY OF THE SCHOOL S MISSION. HE OR SHE WILL BE A FORCEFUL CHAMPION FOR ESJ. On the web: 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, augmented by a 28 acre sports complex two miles to the east. In the aftermath of the tragic death in March 2012 of beloved Head of School Dale D. Regan, this close knit community has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, caring, and generosity of spirit. Former Head of School Charles F. Zimmer has stepped in to serve as Acting Head until a new leader is appointed. As Episcopal prepares to celebrate its 50 th anniversary in 2016, the new Head of School will be called upon to offer the forward looking leadership necessary to position ESJ for continued success within an increasingly competitive educational marketplace. APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

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: 859 Middle (6 8): 305 Upper (9 12): 554 % of student body belonging to racial/ethnic minorities: 13% Full time faculty: 92, 51% with advanced degrees Average faculty tenure: 14 years Student/faculty ratio: 10:1 Average class size: 17 Endowment: $6.4 million Operating budget ( ): $17.25 million 2011 Capital Campaign: $4.5 million Total funds raised last year: $713,000 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. Annual giving funds raised last year: $525,000 Parent participation in annual giving: 45% Tuition: Middle School: $17,550 Upper School: $18,400 Financial aid awarded: $2.54 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 each other and the world around them. The strength of the school family was never more evident than in the days following the fatal shooting in March 2012 of Head of School Dale Regan. At her memorial service, led by the Dean of St. John s Cathedral, who also serves as Vice Chair of the school s Board of Trustees, the community gathered to mourn and to celebrate the life of Ms. Regan, who had served Episcopal for 34 years, including the past six as its Head of School. As the school community works to move forward from this loss, it has taken great comfort in the return of former Head of School Charley Zimmer, who retired in 2006 after nine years as Episcopal s leader. His love of the school; his familiarity with the school culture and program; and his longstanding relationships with many faculty and staff members provide an invaluable measure of stability that will surely help to speed the healing process. His skilled leadership during the next school year will also pave the way for a new leader s entry into the school, ensuring that Episcopal remains well equipped to meet the future with confidence. THE STUDENT BODY Episcopal enrolls a talented and diverse student body, beginning with a class of 32 students in grade 6. Nearly all of the students who join ESJ in grade 7 come from one of several independent primary schools. ESJ welcomes students from all religious backgrounds; approximately 30 percent of the families are Episcopalian. Like most independent schools, Episcopal has been impacted by the weak economy. Enrollment peaked at more than 900 in , when there were waiting lists in every grade; enrollment is projected to be approximately 850. The school s re enrollment rate for was 97 percent. Requests for financial aid have also increased. In , more than $2.5 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 Class of 2012 included four National Merit Finalists and five Commended Students. Average SAT scores for that class were 1205 on the SAT 1600 and 1783 on the SAT The average ACT Composite score was 26. EJS 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 and the University of Virginia. Typically, 80 percent of graduates qualify for Florida s Bright Futures Scholarship, so EJS students also are well represented at the state s best public universities. 3

4 THE FACULTY Episcopal s talented faculty is dedicated to the school s mission and to the development of each student. The 92 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. Episcopal invests heavily in professional development for its faculty and staff. 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. ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE Episcopal s senior administrative team is a blend of experience and new ideas to achieve a balance of traditional and progressive educational methodologies. The Director of Advancement and the Director of Athletics are alumni. A temporary administrative structure has been created with 15 direct reports to the Interim Head, divided into external and internal groups. The external group includes the Directors of Admissions, Institutional Advancement, Security and Safety, Human Resources, and Buildings and Grounds, as well as the Chief Financial Officer. The internal group includes the Heads of the Upper and Middle Schools, the Director of the Counseling Center, the Academic Dean, the Chaplain, the Director of College Counseling, the Director of Athletics, the Director of Fine Arts, and the Director of Technology. The $17.25 million operating budget is prudently managed, generating reserves of at least $400,000 each year. ESJ s endowment, valued at $6.4 million, is managed by a Foundation Board. In addition, the Foundation Board serves as the agency for a separate account of $8 million, which offsets the school s bonded indebtedness. Episcopal is governed by a dedicated 26 member Board of Trustees, many of whom are prominent members of the Jacksonville community. As specified in the bylaws, the Vestry of St. John s Cathedral approves the Board members, 16 of whom must be members of the Episcopal Church. The Dean of the Cathedral serves as Vice Chair and clergy member of the Board. The six member Foundation Board is elected by Episcopal's Board of Trustees for the purpose of sustaining the school's endowment through strong investment policies. The Alumni Association Board of Directors, which now includes more than 35 members, serves as an advisory body to the Alumni Director and works to foster increasingly strong relationships with graduates of the school. Their efforts over the past two years have resulted in a sizable increase in alumni donations. 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. 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 Also among the campus s signature features is the Great Oak, a majestic live oak that graces the heart of the campus. In 2004, the school opened the beautiful, state of the art 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, plus 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 two story buildings, clustered around an outdoor plaza, include 12 new 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 4

5 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. The two classroom buildings, phase one of a multistep campus master plan, were planned and paid for through a successful capital campaign that exceeded its $4 million goal despite an unfavorable economic climate. 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 campuses, including upgraded locker rooms, expanded tennis facilities, and a turf football field. ABOUT JACKSONVILLE With a growing population, a strong economy, diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, and abundant natural resources, Jacksonville ranks as one of the nation's 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 NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, the city hosted the Super Bowl in The region has more than 70 public and private golf courses. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 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. A free after school directed study hall is offered daily until 6 p.m. 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 early adolescent 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. Community service is integrated throughout the Episcopal experience, Middle School students have a service requirement, and Upper School students must also complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved community service during their four years. The Class of 2011 volunteered a total of 27,850 hours working in a variety of local settings including a student led summer camp and participating in mission trips to a Navajo reservation and to the Dominican Republic to work with orphans. THE MIDDLE SCHOOL The Middle School program is designed to meet the diverse intellectual, social, and physical needs of early adolescents. The division employs a disciplined approach, with students expected to take their learning seriously. In addition to core courses in English, math, history, social studies, science, and world language, students complete an 5

6 elective cycle that includes fine arts, computers, physical education, and personal learning strategies. The faculty includes both dedicated Middle School teachers and faculty who teach in both divisions. Numerous opportunities for hands on learning are built into the curriculum. Overnight trips to Sea Camp in the Florida Keys and ecology centers in the Appalachians provide for academic enrichment as well as involvement in cooperative learning and student bonding. The Middle School has its own wing on campus, and Middle School students have their own Chapel service, lunch period, student government, and social events. THE UPPER SCHOOL The Upper School offers more than 100 courses in nine academic areas, including 21 AP and 19 Honors classes. Language options include Spanish, French, Latin, and Chinese. 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. Episcopal s comprehensive college counseling curriculum begins with evening programs for parents in grade 8 and continues throughout all four years of Upper School through a variety of formal and informal workshops and meetings. Four 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. Student bonding opportunities are a highlight of the Upper School program. For the past 19 years, ninth graders have participated in the Freshman Orientation Adventure, a four day camping and whitewater rafting trip in Northern Georgia held in August. Seniors participate in a two day off campus retreat each September. 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 nine week Bible classes for Middle School students, and 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 and beyond. 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 school in chapel performances. In addition to instrumental ensembles, Episcopal offers students the opportunity to create and record original music in music production classes. 6

7 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. The Middle School visual arts program offers classes as part of the rotating quarter system. 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, 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 sport each season in the Upper School offers a no cut 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. Last year, 22 scholar athletes committed to continue their sports careers in college. COLLEGE COUNSELING A student centered, methodological approach to identifying the best fit college for each student begins in the eighth grade and continues through the acceptance process in the senior 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. The counselors also build relationships with college representatives to aid in the process of gaining admission to the best college match for each student. OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL The next Head of Episcopal School of Jacksonville will join a school community that, while touched by tragedy, is both resilient and optimistic about the future. As ESJ approaches its 50 th anniversary, many members of the school family see the school at a crossroads. A well respected institution with an inspiring mission, solid programs in all fields, appealing facilities, a stable financial condition, and a committed faculty and staff, Episcopal is well positioned to surpass its own ideals of programmatic excellence and financial sustainability. The school will welcome a Head of School who is eager to move ESJ forward galvanizing all constituencies with a powerful vision that will excite and inspire. 7

8 Among the opportunities and challenges awaiting the next Head are the following: An external marketing study conducted last year confirmed what many at ESJ suspected: Though it enjoys a strong reputation in the broader community, Episcopal remains a best kept secret to many prospective families. The increasingly competitive and price sensitive educational marketplace includes not only other prestigious independent schools, but also newly constructed public high schools and magnet schools offering rigorous IB and AP programs. The next Head of School need to be attuned to the importance of marketing the school aggressively, updating admissions strategies, and engaging personally with the greater Jacksonville community as an advocate for ESJ. To compete successfully, Episcopal must also ensure that its educational program continues to develop in response to a changing world. The school s curriculum needs constant fine tuning and refreshing to keep it in line with current best practices. Plans are moving forward to introduce tablet computers into the school program. Like most independent schools, ESJ is enrolling more students with learning challenges, whom the faculty must be equipped to serve well. The strategic plan calls for the addition of a learning resource center. 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. Episcopal wishes to field strong athletic teams while balancing students needs in other aspects of their school lives. The Head of School will need to help find ways to achieve athletic excellence by identifying the resources required to benefit sports at ESJ. Fifteen administrators report to the Head of School, a temporary arrangement established by the Acting Head for the interim year. The position of Associate Head of School is funded but not filled, so the next Head of School will have the opportunity to reorganize the administrative structure as he or she sees fit. Parents, teachers, and administrators also point to a need to establish clearly delineated roles and responsibilities for key positions including the division and department heads, a task the Acting Head of School will begin to address during the coming year. Equally important is the development of well articulated policies related to hiring, evaluation, and professional development coupled with open communication and a culture of accountability for all. With a five year strategic plan and a campus master plan in place, the Board of Trustees is eager to work with the new Head of School to enhance Episcopal s fundraising capacity. With a facilities wish list and increased demands for financial aid, fundraising will be a high priority. The trustees plan to launch a capital campaign to support upgrading the athletic facilities in the near future. Strategies to promote increased annual giving, particularly among parents, are being developed now by the Director of Advancement. 8

9 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Episcopal School of Jacksonville is seeking for its next Head of School: An inspiring and creative leader with a compelling and powerful vision of 21 st century education that is consistent with Episcopal s mission and core values. A strategic administrator who hires well, mentors generously, and promotes leadership development. An effective and decisive manager who will set high standards, delegate effectively, and enforce accountability. A wise steward of financial, physical, and human resources. A visionary educator who values academics, spiritual development, the arts, athletics, and service learning. A outgoing and affable person who is eager to engage fully in the life of the school and who genuinely enjoys interacting with students, teachers, parents, and alumni. A committed and practicing Christian who understands and fully supports the tenets of Episcopal education. The successful candidate should possess: Solid academic credentials, including an advanced degree. Exceptional communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening. Knowledge of and interest in best practices in curriculum and pedagogy across the middle and upper school spectrum, including the appropriate use of innovative technologies to support 21 st century learning. The capacity to demonstrate respect for tradition while also promoting thoughtful innovation. The ability to balance sensitivity to the community s need for healing with the desire to move the school forward. The ability and willingness to participate fully in the external aspects of school leadership, including playing a leadership role in fundraising. A warm, gracious, and kind personality. Strength of character, coupled with humility. Charisma and a sense of humor. Episcopal School of Jacksonville is committed to diversity. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. 9

10 ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: September 27, 2012 Selection of semifinalists: October 8, 2012 Semifinalist interviews: October 20 21, 2012 Finalist visits: November 2012 Appointment: November/December 2012 Start date: July 1, 2013 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 consultants are James Wickenden and Susan Walters They can be reached at Applicants should submit by Thursday, September 27, 2012, 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 October 20 21, 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 November or December of Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process. 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