The Head of School – February 4, 2026

Flint Hill Community,

Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to step out of the daily rhythm of school life and into a focused leadership learning experience for Heads of School through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University. This experience brought together a small cohort of 19 independent and international Heads of School, offering space to learn from Columbia faculty, educational experts, and one another.

Across those two weeks, we explored a wide range of topics — personal leadership styles and communication, organizational and community dynamics within schools, and the contemporary challenges facing education and society. From formal research, papers, and presentations to candid, informal conversations among school leaders, I left with many meaningful takeaways. Three, in particular, continue to resonate.

First, any meaningful learning experience does two things at once: it affirms what you already believe and challenges you to grow beyond what is comfortable. My time away did both. I returned with renewed confidence in our mission and direction — and also with a sharper awareness of the habits, instincts, and blind spots that can develop in leadership and schools, especially when the work is fast-paced and the stakes are high.

Second, serving as a Head of School — and my experience at Flint Hill, specifically — is a profound vocation. Few roles blend purpose, challenge, and fulfillment in quite this way. I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of guiding this community and our Huskies in service of our Mission.

Finally, schools are living, breathing communities, shaped by context, culture, and values. Within our cohort were leaders from Early Childhood schools, JK-12 programs, boarding and international schools, institutions rooted in classical education, and others that proudly described themselves as “Capital P” progressive. This constellation of educational approaches around the world was inspiring. Being part of a global community of educators preparing students, not only for tomorrow’s jobs but also for thoughtful leadership and citizenship, reaffirmed the importance of our shared work.

My curiosity and excitement about the future of learning are truly supercharged. One of my goals entering this experience was to better understand how schools around the world are grappling with the impact of artificial intelligence. I was encouraged to see that Flint Hill is ahead of many peers in our thoughtful engagement with AI — its opportunities, implications, and responsibilities. At the same time, we collectively acknowledged that the nature of information and learning is shifting in profound ways. Moving forward, I believe we have important opportunities to continue leveraging emerging technologies in ways that benefit our students, while remaining intentional about preserving the productive “friction” of learning that is essential for growth.

I am eager to put this learning into practice for the benefit of our community, both in the near and long term. In the meantime, I am most grateful to be back on campus — sharing fist bumps, smiles, conversations, and vibrant classroom moments that make Flint Hill feel like home.

Thank you for the trust you place in me and for the privilege of serving this extraordinary community.