SSFS HOS leaving

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree. I know those who wanted him gone are euphoric right now, they should enjoy this moment. In reality SSFS is about to go through a period of instability and they need to be prepared for it. Even when warranted, firing a head like this is very disruptive. I wish SSFS well.

Well it’s already been in a period of instability. It’s definitely disruptive but the school was losing students and teachers at an unsustainable rate. At least now we don’t have to be a captive audience to his self congratulatory bs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree. I know those who wanted him gone are euphoric right now, they should enjoy this moment. In reality SSFS is about to go through a period of instability and they need to be prepared for it. Even when warranted, firing a head like this is very disruptive. I wish SSFS well.

Well it’s already been in a period of instability. It’s definitely disruptive but the school was losing students and teachers at an unsustainable rate. At least now we don’t have to be a captive audience to his self congratulatory bs.

Agreed. No matter how bumpy - this is completely a change for the best. If the school is financially in a good place then there isn’t any real concern. Teachers now have a chance to be heard again and properly supported and as many posters said it’s the teachers that make this school. If ssfs can retain and bring back the teachers then they’ll be fine.

[Anonymous]

The board needs a shakeup. Nice to buy the spot with large contributions, but some other qualifications should be necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The board needs a shakeup. Nice to buy the spot with large contributions, but some other qualifications should be necessary.

Completely agree on the shake up front and qualifications front, but I doubt most of these folks are big contributors - which isn’t ideal as the Board should be driving and supporting advancement.

[Anonymous]

A few board members are large contributors.

[Anonymous]

Serious question . Why is $0 better than, say $10k.
We looked at SSFS a few years ago and it was way out of our price range. Even if we got full aid it was only 50% off max. If they’re struggling to get kids in, why not let kids in under that amount? We are a diverse family with a nice kid who does well in school but isn’t a rockstar academically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Serious question . Why is $0 better than, say $10k.
We looked at SSFS a few years ago and it was way out of our price range. Even if we got full aid it was only 50% off max. If they’re struggling to get kids in, why not let kids in under that amount? We are a diverse family with a nice kid who does well in school but isn’t a rockstar academically.

For two reasons. The first is that more students require more teachers, supplies, etc and if everyone is getting a deep discount, then there isn’t enough money to pay for those things. It’s a balance between adding students to fill out a class vs having to add a whole other section which means another salary and benefits. The other reason is that there does need to be some system in places that assesses need and distributes aid accordingly otherwise your full pay families will revolt. They could and probably should look at their aid policy if they will never give more than 50% regardless of need but finding the balance of having seats full and enough tuition and other income to support that isn’t as easy as it may seem.

[Anonymous]

I wonder how the boarding program is doing? Historically, international boarding students brought in a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

Faculty kids get most of the financial aid. Salaries are below market, so this is a perk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Faculty kids get most of the financial aid. Salaries are below market, so this is a perk.

Yep. It’s why I’m worried David Blake will be leaving after next year when his kid graduates. Middle school has been the best division by far under his leadership.

[Anonymous]

^ + 1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Faculty kids get most of the financial aid. Salaries are below market, so this is a perk.

Yep. It’s why I’m worried David Blake will be leaving after next year when his kid graduates. Middle school has been the best division by far under his leadership.

One can only hope that the new head of school will recognize his worth and pay him more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Faculty kids get most of the financial aid. Salaries are below market, so this is a perk.

Yep. It’s why I’m worried David Blake will be leaving after next year when his kid graduates. Middle school has been the best division by far under his leadership.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he left. Other teachers have after their kids graduated too.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:While a change in the head of school is disruptive, deciding to immediately bail on the school at this stage (summer) doesn’t make a whole lot of sense - unless you were particularly wedded to the previous head of school and cannot imagine your child attending without him there.

Honestly it seems like he may have been not a great fit based on the faculty departures, but that also is Covid related I’m sure. If he was not a good fit this may make the school better in the long run.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think this is a change for the better. Definitely painful in the short term of course but the feeling among the parents I’ve spoken to is that it’s a good thing.

100% a great thing! Just Rocky in the short term

It is definitely a good thing, ultimately, but there is so much upheaval, with more staff departures as of late last week. I'm not sure when those emails will be sent apprising parents but the head and assistant head of athletics are gone now, too. And three teachers that I think many would consider some of the "best." Seems it will get worse before it gets better and some don't have time for that.

I don’t understand leaving in the summer-is it because of toxic culture or is leaving in the summer (with no search) normal for that role? (Thinking of the athletic director here.)

Leaving in the summer is not typical. Reasons usually are either: (1) Unexpected life change like a move or illness Or (2 and most likely the case give the current situation at the school) Decided just to leave due to the work environment or had been looking for a new position and just got one.

Wishing everyone at SSFS well. It’s going to be tough for awhile but the school should come out the other side okay if the Board hires a strong and experienced interim (agree with a PP that they should look for a retired head who does this for schools) and then finds the right new head.

If Tom Gibian were willing, I think he would have the ability to help SSFS come out on the other side. I thought the school was doing very well under his guidance.

[Anonymous]

+100

Certainly has the financial background.