Search Process

The Head of School Search Process, Dec. 11, 2009

From Phil Allen ’73, President, Board of Trustees

Dear Holland Hall Families,

Since the announcement of Dr. Desjardins’ departure at the end of the school year, several initial steps have been taken regarding the search for his replacement. As members of the Holland Hall community, it is important that you remain informed on the progress of the search and also the opportunities that will be made available for your input.

Several of the top educational recruiting firms have been contacted about the services they might provide Holland Hall during our search. In January, several of these consultants will come to Tulsa to make presentations to a board committee about their approach to searching for a permanent Headmaster. By the end of January, I anticipate that one of these firms will be chosen to lead our search.

In addition to choosing a search consultant, we will also be conducting interviews for an Interim Headmaster for the 2010-2011 school year. While it may appear that we have sufficient time to find a permanent replacement for Dr. Desjardins by September, we have been advised that we most likely would be unsuccessful in finding a replacement because most potential candidates will have signed contracts for the next year by January or February. Many of you will recall that an interim head was in place during our last search. We anticipate naming an Interim Headmaster by February or March.

Finally, after we have identified a search consultant to assist us, we will establish a search committee. There will be opportunities for all Holland Hall constituents to participate in the search either through open forums with candidates or through advisory committees. We will follow our consultant’s lead in how to best involve the community in the search.

A webpage link has been posted on the Holland Hall website where updates on the search will be posted so the community can keep apprised of the progress of the search. Go to “About Holland Hall” and click on “Headmaster Search.” I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season.

Phil Allen ‘73

President, Board of Trustees