Greenwood Friends School

Head of School Opening at GFS

Opportunity Statement for the GFS Head of School

Greenwood Friends School is an independent, accredited preschool-8th grade Quaker school founded in 1978. Our multi-age classrooms are purposefully designed for low student-teacher ratios allowing for customized instruction, expectations, and assessments tailored to the academic and social needs of each individual child. Students are encouraged to solve problems critically and collaboratively in a rich and nurturing community where faculty and staff, parents and families, and students are all important partners in the dynamic process of learning. Our graduates go on to be life-long learners and compassionate citizens committed to making the world a better place. Greenwood Friends School admits students of any race, color, religion, national, and ethnic origin with all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to all students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, financial aid programs, and other school-administered programs.

Greenwood Friends School draws their student population from a roughly 30 mile radius. Enrollment is currently 31 students and has recently been as high as 72. 

A full-time Administrative Assistant and part-time Business Manager assist the Head with daily administrative tasks. There are five full-time faculty members, and three teachers of specials (Spanish, Art, and Music).  The new Head will be expected to help lead fundraising efforts to increase our endowment and keep GFS on a sound financial footing. As we continue to grow and change, the new Head will also be involved in leading critical decisions about curriculum. The Head of School will take the leadership in facilitating sustainable growth, increasing family engagement, and coordinating transportation and access for a geographically diverse student population.   The headship of Greenwood Friends School represents a unique career opportunity for a creative and visionary educational leader. The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following attributes: LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL TRAITS • Community builder who will lead in the spirit of Quakerism. • Unifying administrator who is committed to inclusion, diversity, and equality. • Leader with clear goals and a commitment to academic excellence and the development of the whole child. • The willingness and ability to be an effective decision-maker, and to uphold Greenwood Friends School’s values and policies for themselves, the faculty and staff, and the school community.  • Inspiring, motivating professional with the ability to maintain stability and confidence in both calm and crisis. • Compassion, patience, kindness, empathy, and personal humility. • The ability to architect plans from strategy, to track progress against deadlines toward goals, and to value the necessity of detailed tasks.  SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES • Appreciation and support for Quaker principles, decision-making, and education. • Ability to maintain transparent and consistent communication across a wide range of stakeholders: parents, teachers, staff, and board members. • Significant and relevant teaching experience. • Demonstrated leadership skills in curriculum writing, planning, and review. • Cultural and racial competency, including experience in anti-racism, inclusion, and anti-bias work. • Excellent supervisory and managerial skills, including the ability to hire equitably, mentor and evaluate effectively, and enforce standards of accountability. • Exceptional listening and communication skills, including the ability to be clear, direct, authentic, and open to the ideas of others. • Administrative experience, including budgeting, fundraising, and public relations. • Financial acumen. • Technological fluency as it relates to school operations, including the use of standard office software, and knowledge of and/or capacity to learn key educational software products.

GREENWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL AT A GLANCE:

Founded: 1978

Type: Co-ed Day School

Grades: Preschool through 8th grade

Current Enrollment: 31 students; 25 families

Average Student to Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1

Tuition: Pre K $7200; Kindergarten $9380; 1st-8th $9890; Financial Aid: 50% of all students receive financial aid

Professional Affiliations: Friends Council on Education, Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates may apply file to GFSHOSsearch@greenwood-friends.org by including a single PDF file that includes the following:

• Cover letter with reflection on management style, leadership journey and commitment to Quaker values
• Resume/CV
• Statement of educational philosophy
• List of three references with contact information(references will not be contacted until the candidate is notified)

For best consideration of your candidacy, please apply by December 15th, 2020, or until position is filled.

Other Ongoing Employment Opportunities

Greenwood Friends School, an accredited independent school in Millville, seeks applicants for the following positions:

Substitute Teacher Pool

Please submit letter of intent, resume, and copies of current clearances to:
Lawrence F. Smith
Interim Head of School
PO Box 438
Millville, PA  17846
Or electronically to: gfsfox@greenwood-friends.org
Greenwood Friends School accepts applicants without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, economic, social, or religious background.