Dear St. Albans Community,

We are pleased to share an update on the search for the ninth headmaster of our school. Over the past several weeks, the Search Committee has been working closely with our consultants at Carney, Sandoe & Associates, who recently spent two days on campus meeting with students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni, trustees, and other members of the broader St. Albans community. We are enormously grateful to everyone who has contributed time and thoughtful perspectives to this important process. In addition to hosting meetings on campus, we have also engaged in a number of other listening sessions with members of our community, including with representatives of the Lower School and several former school leaders. These conversations, as well as the robust responses from our community survey, have provided invaluable guidance in the creation of this Position Description for the opportunity.

One of the most encouraging aspects of these conversations has been the remarkable consistency of the themes that have emerged. Across virtually every constituency, community members spoke with great pride and affection about the distinctive qualities that define St. Albans: its academic excellence, its Episcopal identity and commitment to character and moral formation, its cherished traditions, and perhaps most importantly, the unusually strong relationships among students, faculty, and families. Whether discussing Chapel, seated lunches, athletics, arts, or our students’ enduring sense of brotherhood, participants consistently described a school with a powerful sense of identity and community. It is clear that these qualities are deeply valued and should remain central to the school’s future.

These conversations have also helped clarify the qualities we should seek in our next headmaster. Above all, we heard a desire for a leader who will be deeply engaged in the daily life of the school—someone who genuinely enjoys working with boys, builds meaningful relationships across the community, and leads with warmth, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. At the same time, there is a recognition that St. Albans will benefit from a confident, experienced, and forward-thinking leader who can honor the school’s traditions while thoughtfully guiding its continued evolution. Finding someone who combines these qualities, along with the ability to navigate the school’s distinctive governance structure and broader Cathedral Close relationships, will be central to our work. If you would like to share any suggestions or comments, please write to us at HeadSearch@stalbansschool.org.

As the search progresses, we will continue to draw upon the insights and perspectives shared by so many members of our community. We are fortunate to be undertaking this search from a position of considerable institutional strength, and we believe the opportunity to lead St. Albans will be compelling to exceptional school leaders. We look forward to keeping you informed as the process moves forward, and we thank you again for your continued engagement, encouragement, and support.

Rachel W. Sheridan
Governing Board Chair &
Co-Chair of the Search Committee