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Next Head of School for Poughkeepsie Day School is announced!
We are pleased and excited to announce that Benedict Chant has accepted the invitation of the Board of Trustees to succeed Josie Holford as Head of School of Poughkeepsie Day School, effective July 1, 2016.
Beginning last spring, the school and its eight-member search committee have been working with our search firm to find our next head of school. The process included the drafting of an "Opportunity Statement" describing the position with input from all constituents in the PDS community which was posted in May. From a deep pool of qualified candidates presented by our search firm, the search committee selected an impressive group of semifinalists. The committee met with these semifinalists on October 15 and from that pool two finalists and their spouses were invited to PDS, for a campus visit hosted by parents, faculty and students, along with trustees and administrators. The Search Committee then unanimously recommended Ben to the Board of Trustees on Monday, November 2 at its regular November meeting. The board unanimously approved the committee's recommendation.
In selecting Ben, the committee found that he brings a readiness for the position, along with key attributes of accessibility, energy, flexibility, and integrity. Additionally, he comes with significant experience in: admissions, marketing, enrollment and retention; finance; administration; and implementing new initiatives. His colleagues and mentors also note strong support for faculty and faculty development, abilities in working collaboratively, multitasking; and taking on challenging projects. Before making decisions, Ben seeks answers, consults widely, gathers information, and builds consensus. He is considered by everyone we've encountered to be both kind and direct in his communication.
His interest in the position at PDS stems from a deep commitment to progressive education developed during his years as a student in progressive schools and subsequently as a lower, middle and upper school teacher. Currently, he serves as Head of Lower School at the Mandell School in Manhattan. His complete resume can be found here.
We invite you to read Ben's letter to the PDS community which can be found here.
Over the coming months, the board, administration and faculty will have ample opportunity and time to assure a smooth transition. The selection of the Head of School is one of the board's greatest responsibilities. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we warmly welcome Ben and his family into our Poughkeepsie Day School community.
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