Holton Arms v Stone Ridge

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is ironic that this convo about the new head at Holton is happening on a thread labeled "Holton v. Stoneridge." Part of what has made her transition so hard is that in the first few months of her tenure, she began watering down some of Holton's signature offerings -- global education/trips, rigor, seminar, a wrap-around advisory program, LW3 and integrated DEI. She'd tell you that was all at the behest of the board so Holton could be more like Stoneridge, a school they had recently started losing too many applicants to. So maybe the board keeps her because she is doing exactly what they say. Who knows.

I do know that 3 women resigned or were voted off the board last Spring for standing up for the values Holton used to profess. Those three women were recently replaced by 3 white men.

If you don't like the changes she's made, it sounds to me like the Board is just as much of the problem as the new head.

PP, thanks for providing some actual examples of the changes that have taken place/are in motion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I haven’t had interaction with the interim LS head. I’ve only heard good things so far though! The previous LS head was amazing and GDS is lucky to have her. Big shoes to fill.

Truthfully, our family is growing a bit disillusioned with how Holton has been handling this new Head of School transition— too many great teachers and administrators leaving Holton. Today I learned from a friend that the head of upper school is leaving too. Not for a new job. Just leaving to find other opportunities after 30+ years. So that makes all 3 division directors, the DEI director, 2 comms directors, a college counselor, an assortment of advancement staff, at least 2 chorus directors and several beloved teachers and coaches gone since she took the reins. I never thought a new Head would matter so much. I just wish someone would acknowledge the exodus and tell us how they are addressing.

UGH. This is sad and disappointing. Hoping the board didn't make a bad call with this Head choice.

If they did (and they definitely DID) they are likely too stubborn to admit it. Or at least the ones that remain and didn’t leave the board last year— 2 women resigned and 1 woman was dismissed bc she was too emotional in her appeal. All lodged very real concerns about her fitness for the role. The board also never responded to a groundswell of parents of color who sent letters of concern last spring. I’m not sure the board is equipped to handle their duties.

What exactly is she doing to cause so much turnover?

Screams and yells in meetings. Threatens and humiliates people. Treats teachers and staff as "the help." Speaks constantly in a way that indicates her disdain for the community she's entered.

Also she lies regularly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh I do - it’s to get a private school experience at $10-20k less than non Catholic private schools.

NP. I don’t think many girls are choosing between SR and Holton.

I am curious why many SR girls seem to have brothers at much more expensive and more elite schools? To me that is something to question more than whether they are Catholic or not? Pretty sure many girls and families at Holton would not think that would be fair.

[Anonymous]

Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

it's very generic and does not honor his many years of service to the school. It is not written in a way that reflects any personal knowledge of him or his many contributions to shaping the Upper School. A division head that has been successful with students, parents, and teachers. This is not the first message of a departure that has been disrespectfully generic. The HOS is too insecure to acknowledge the successes of others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

Best to ask an upper school parent. I have the email but I'm not going to post it here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is ironic that this convo about the new head at Holton is happening on a thread labeled "Holton v. Stoneridge." Part of what has made her transition so hard is that in the first few months of her tenure, she began watering down some of Holton's signature offerings -- global education/trips, rigor, seminar, a wrap-around advisory program, LW3 and integrated DEI. She'd tell you that was all at the behest of the board so Holton could be more like Stoneridge, a school they had recently started losing too many applicants to. So maybe the board keeps her because she is doing exactly what they say. Who knows.

I do know that 3 women resigned or were voted off the board last Spring for standing up for the values Holton used to profess. Those three women were recently replaced by 3 white men.

If you don't like the changes she's made, it sounds to me like the Board is just as much of the problem as the new head.

This is a really good point. It really feels like Holton is trying to transform into Stone Ridge, and it's taking current parents by surprise because if they wanted their kids to go to Stone Ridge, they would have enrolled there.

If you are a prospective parent trying to decide between Holton and SR, you may be hard pressed to decide between both places because they could be quite similar in a few years. For current parents who chose Holton over SR, we are looking elsewhere. It's a shame to witness such a strong institution decline so quickly...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is ironic that this convo about the new head at Holton is happening on a thread labeled "Holton v. Stoneridge." Part of what has made her transition so hard is that in the first few months of her tenure, she began watering down some of Holton's signature offerings -- global education/trips, rigor, seminar, a wrap-around advisory program, LW3 and integrated DEI. She'd tell you that was all at the behest of the board so Holton could be more like Stoneridge, a school they had recently started losing too many applicants to. So maybe the board keeps her because she is doing exactly what they say. Who knows.

I do know that 3 women resigned or were voted off the board last Spring for standing up for the values Holton used to profess. Those three women were recently replaced by 3 white men.

If you don't like the changes she's made, it sounds to me like the Board is just as much of the problem as the new head.

This is a really good point. It really feels like Holton is trying to transform into Stone Ridge, and it's taking current parents by surprise because if they wanted their kids to go to Stone Ridge, they would have enrolled there.

If you are a prospective parent trying to decide between Holton and SR, you may be hard pressed to decide between both places because they could be quite similar in a few years. For current parents who chose Holton over SR, we are looking elsewhere. It's a shame to witness such a strong institution decline so quickly...

The school hasn't declined...yet. Parents need to put pressure on the board to. I am worried they are not worthy of the responsibility entrusted to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

it's very generic and does not honor his many years of service to the school. It is not written in a way that reflects any personal knowledge of him or his many contributions to shaping the Upper School. A division head that has been successful with students, parents, and teachers. This is not the first message of a departure that has been disrespectfully generic. The HOS is too insecure to acknowledge the successes of others.

Ain’t that the truth. Apparently she was very bent out of shape when Susanna came back for the dedication of the new crew boats. When they dedicate the new learning commons her head may just explode.

[Anonymous]

I just don't understand why you'd want such a small-minded and mediocre person as the head of a prestigious school for girls.

[Anonymous]

We didn’t. I don’t think we got our first or second choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

it's very generic and does not honor his many years of service to the school. It is not written in a way that reflects any personal knowledge of him or his many contributions to shaping the Upper School. A division head that has been successful with students, parents, and teachers. This is not the first message of a departure that has been disrespectfully generic. The HOS is too insecure to acknowledge the successes of others.

Who’s going to write knowledgeably about his years of service? The Head has been there 13 months and the communications director less than half that.

Not that the Head has the inclination to acknowledge the contributions of anyone other than herself anyway

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

Is he already gone? Or did he just give notice?

[Anonymous]

Lots of the usual axe grinding here. I've had DDs at both SR and Holton in the last few years (we're Catholic).

SR is Catholic-lite, compared to Connolly or St Jane, but that's by design. The latter two are directly parochial schools (under ADW) while SR is not. SR has a lovely campus, especially after the latest campus renovation. As for student intake, they have the room to grow. Holton does not -- they have a fixed limit on students due to current zoning regulations.

I think the new HOS at Holton is perfectly fine. She's out and about at events more than the previous head (who I also liked). As for exodus of top admins, that's fairly common when a new head takes over. I haven't noticed it affecting the quality for our DD who is currently at Holton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone able to share the CL resignation email?

Is he already gone? Or did he just give notice?

He is staying through the academic year. I think the issue is that he is universally beloved by the girls. And a LOT of staff have left. It’s just a shame. Having said that, agree, the school is amazing and my DD doesn’t feel a difference. Life goes on…