MSDA Head of School Search

The Mission 

Mount St. Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell in 1892, is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. We are dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds.

The Mount community is committed to seeking the Truth in all aspects of life. The students are able to realize their individual gifts and talents in an atmosphere that fosters academic excellence, respect for diversity, appreciation for the gifts of creation, moral integrity and a heritage rich in Christ-centered values.

Overview 

For over 125 years, Mount St. Dominic Academy has been empowering young women. With veritas and caritas at its core, the Mount encourages students to question what they encounter in the world and to be the positive change they wish to see. The Mount calls on students to find their passions and put them into action. The Mount prepares students to be global citizens. 

Sponsorship/Ownership 

Mount St. Dominic Academy is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell. The Sisters also  sponsor St. Dominic Academy, Lacordaire Academy and Caldwell University. The Caldwell  Dominicans became an independent congregation in 1881 and began the Mount in 1892. The Sisters  are part of a larger order founded by St. Dominic 800 years ago. There are more than 27,000  Dominican religious in over 100 countries around the world. The Dominican Order is a global  community of preachers, educators and scholars.

An education at the Mount reflects the Four Pillars of Dominican life. Prayer, study, community and  mission are the foundation for a successful and meaningful future. Just as St. Dominic inspired his  followers with loyalty to learning and virtue, the Mount endeavors to inspire action on behalf of justice  and peace and instill a lifelong passion for learning and truth. 

The Mount is committed to the education of young women and seeks to help students reach their full  potential, to become leaders who will make a difference in the world. The single-gender environment  is a critical component of the school’s success in education, one that allows the young women to  focus on their studies, grow into strong leaders and flourish as individuals. 

As a community of changemakers, the Mount’s program provides instruction and resources needed to  develop essential skills in critical analysis, independent inquiry and effective communication.  The curriculum establishes the foundation for a lifetime of seeking truth through knowledge, dialogue  and participation. A Mount education ignites a passion for social justice and civic engagement. In  addition, through the lens of Catholic Social Teachings, students develop their own spirituality while  learning about social justice around the globe, expanding their world vision and investigating how they can effect positive change in society. Courses in social justice and spirituality galvanize students into  action and empower them to advocate for peace, justice, and equality. For more information regarding the special programs available to students with specific interests in STEM, leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice, please follow the link here. 

Co-curricular activities play an integral part in the life of every Mount student and complement the classroom-based endeavors of the students. These opportunities enrich the students’ academic and  spiritual experiences while promoting community and fulfilling the Dominican mission to serve others — both at the Mount and in the world beyond. As an all-girls’ institution, female athletes are always in the spotlight. The school offers numerous opportunities for a range of levels and interests. (athletics) The Mount firmly believes that the arts add texture to the students’ lives and that participation in the  arts helps each of the student develop her voice and communicate her unique vision of the world. (arts) Finally, the Mount offers a broad range of clubs and organizations that present the students with opportunities to get involved, take ownership and lead. These include the Siena Community Service program, the Dominican Preachers group, student government and campus ministry to name but a few.

Mount students speak to the special environment that they have around them; the warm, tight community of friends, faculty and staff, and families. They value the opportunity for academic and personal growth that is available to them and the strong sense of sisterhood that permeates the campus. They know that faculty fully support their focus on self-empowerment through academics, athletics, and the arts. Faculty and staff at the Mount are strongly committed to girls’ education. There is a sense of community underpinned by the history of the Sisters in developing women who make a difference in the world. Mount students learn to be advocates through participation in programs that introduce them to global and local issues and give them tools to become changemakers and problem solvers through action, awareness, education, and empathy rooted in the Dominican spirit. 

Since spring of 2024, Lynn Burek has served as Mount St Dominic Academy’s Interim Head of School. We are currently seeking a permanent Head of School.  The role of the Head of School is to assist the board and the school in focusing on specific areas and laying the foundation for a smooth transition for the permanent Head. As such, key areas of focus for the Head of School are as follows:

Dominican Catholic Identity: 

The Dominican charism is integral to all that is done at the Mount. The Head of School will be entrusted to continue to promote the Dominican Catholic identity and to carry on the mission, tradition and charism of the Dominican Sisters. Specifically, the Head will ensure that these foundational elements inform and shape all that is done at the Mount.

Institutional Advancement: 
The Head will be responsible for enhancing meaningful relationships both internally and externally with all constituents (Sisters, faculty, parents, students, alums, donors, the greater Caldwell community, etc.). She/he will take a leading role in developing a comprehensive advancement program, which includes enrollment management, alumnae relations, fundraising, as well as marketing and outreach to ensure that the school has the necessary resources to fulfill its vision and mission of educating young women and maintain its strong position in the Caldwell community. The Head will articulate and convey to both the external and internal communities the distinctive value of Mount St. Dominic Academy, its Dominican Catholic identity, the outstanding academic and co-curricular programs, and the wonderful community, all of which are the hallmarks of the school.

Finances: 
The Head of School will ensure the continued viability of the Mount’s long-term finances by appropriately weighting income and expense, including tuition affordability, faculty and staff compensation, other program revenue and intensive fundraising. The Head, in collaboration with the board, will work to continue to enhance resources as well as establish policies, procedures and practices that protect the long-term financial stability of the school and allow the school to deliver on its mission.

Administration/Faculty:

Mount St. Dominic Academy benefits from a committed and dedicated professional faculty, staff and administration. The Head will continue to effectively engage and mobilize this talent to carry out the mission of the school. As a leader, she/he will work closely with the leadership team to facilitate the school’s commitment to academic excellence, ensure the continued growth and retention of teachers and develop strong working teams while delegating appropriately and ensuring accountability. It is critical that the Head provides for a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the principal, the Head will be attentive to working with faculty ensuring that they not only bring their expertise and desire to fully embrace the Mount but will fully model and live out the core values of the school which are informed by the charism of the Dominican Sisters.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 
 The Mount is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and there is opportunity to build upon this to ensure that the school’s commitment is fully realized. Mount St. Dominic Academy seeks to further develop a more respectful and inclusive community consisting of many interesting and diverse components, all of which have meaningful, valued voices and a stake in enriching and enlivening the Mount. The Head must be relentless in maintaining a community culture at the Mount that honors and embraces diversity and inclusivity.

Strategic Vision: With the transition in leadership, there is an opportunity for the Head, in collaboration with the board, to begin a strategic visioning process, one that establishes an educational vision for the Mount and that unifies the school, recognizes the realities of current educational trends, especially in the education of young women, and balances this with what is appropriate in the context of the Mount’s traditions, core values and beliefs. The board and the Head must establish strategic priorities and ensure that they allow the school to continue to be relevant, that it clearly establishes the key objectives to guide the work of the board and school’s leadership and is consistent with the mission and philosophy of the school

Caldwell University:  The Mount and Caldwell University are both sponsored by the Dominican Sisters and are on a common property. The histories and facilities of the two institutions are very much interconnected and, while there have been efforts over the years to leverage this connection, there is an opportunity to evaluate and determine how the Mount might capitalize on this relationship to potentially enhance its program so that it could provide unique opportunities for the students and would also have an advantage in a competitive school market.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Targeted cover letter explaining your level of interest and qualifications for the head of school position at Mount Saint Dominic Academy
• A brief personal statement that reflects your educational philosophy and how it will impact your leadership of Mount Saint Dominic Academy
• Current resume
• Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references 

Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format to headsearch@msdacademy.org. All documents must be submitted by December 1, 2024 for consideration.

Mount St. Dominic Academy is an independent all-girls Catholic high school, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic and located in Caldwell, New Jersey. Our students are adynamic community of passionate learners who are empowered to become justice- minded truth-seekers and trailblazers. Led by a faculty that specializes in education, our curriculum sparks curiosity, bridging tradition with academic rigor and faith with intellectual exploration, establishing a foundation of independent inquiry, critical thinking, and effective communication.

The Mount is currently seeking resumes from qualified educational leaders of diverse backgrounds who are committed to fostering an environment of equity and belonging and are interested in a full-time Head of School role beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The Head of School is responsible for the administration of the school, for ensuring the provision of educational leadership and strategic vision, and for the overall quality of the student experience. The Head of School is the sole employee of the Board of Trustees. With a commitment to the values of Veritas and Caritas - truth and love - this enthusiastic and inspiring academic leader will:

● Dominican Identity - Faithful to the teachings of the Sisters of St. Dominic, the Head of School, in cooperation with the principal and school faculty and staff, promotes the essential characteristics of the mission and fundamental values of a Catholic institution for young women based in the Four Pillars of Dominican Life: prayer, study, community and mission.

● Leadership - The Head of School holds primary responsibility for providing personal and visible leadership for the school administration, faculty, staff, students and families on issues related to the implementation of school policy and procedure, mission, vision and advancement of the strategic, long-term plan consistent with the mission and goals of the school.

● Fiscal Management - The Head of School’s primary responsibility in the area of finance is compliance and adherence to Board Policy and oversight as they relate to the approved school budget. The Head of School has the authority to enter into legal agreements and serves as the institutional representative in all negotiations. In addition, the Head of School provides for the safe operation and maintenance of the school property and facilities.

● Institutional Advancement - The Head of School in conjunction with the Board of Trustees will establish specific goals and objectives in the area of advancement. The Head of School will work with the Director of Development and Alumni affairs to create and implement a strategic plan designed to cultivate philanthropic initiatives, fundraising and engage the schools financial partners.

● Enrollment Management - The Head of School is responsible for school programs, initiatives, and processes focused on the recruitment and retention of students. The Head of School will work closely with the Director of Admissions to ensure that a strategic plan is implemented, benchmarks established and goals achieved.

● Public Relations/Communication - The Head of School directs marketing efforts, recruitment strategies, development and advancement programs and alumnae activities and events. All public relations, including press and media releases are approved by the Head of School in their capacity as school spokesperson. The Head of School represents the school in the public forum and personally meets with selected constituencies to build community relationships.

Requirements:
● A master’s degree in educational leadership or similar required; doctorate preferred
● 3-5 years of successful school leadership experience, preferably in upper school grades
● History of implementing effective differentiation techniques, pedagogical approaches and assessment with the ability to support the Principal and an established rigorous academic program

● The ability to advocate for the unique academic, artistic, athletic, and social- emotional needs of young women, placing empowerment of our young women as a priority in day to day decision making
● Collaborate with the Principal in retaining talented faculty, recruiting excellent teachers where necessary and collaboratively support established instructional leadership and administration
● Develop and execute a multi-year strategic framework that moves initiatives forward in thoughtful and meaningful ways to support student growth and school progress and longevity
● Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Trustees or other governing body
● Ability to utilize data to keep the governing body informed and aid in decision making

● Experience in collaborating with Development, Alumnae, Admissions, and other important Independent School personnel to seek donors, benefactors, or grants to support educational initiatives a plus
● Experience with successful fiscal management of the school budgets, grants, and employee compensation program
● Oversight of the campus facilities including maintenance, capital improvements and security.
● Promote Mount St. Dominic Academy with a forward-facing progressive approach that supports the Dominican values of our school
● Commitment to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning
● Faith based school experience a plus

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

● Targeted cover letter explaining your level of interest and qualifications for the head of school position at Mount St. Dominic Academy
● A brief personal statement that reflects your educational philosophy and how it will impact your leadership of Mount St. Dominic Academy
● Current resume
● Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format to headsearch@msdacademy.org. All documents must be submitted by December 1, 2024 for consideration.

November  4, 2024

 

To The Mount Saint Dominic Academy Community:

I want to take this opportunity to update you as we chart the path forward towards the selection of the Academy’s next Head of School. 

These past 3 years have been a time of change and transition at the Mount yet the Mount has continued to flourish. Some of the projects this summer included many classroom and Athletic Center renovations.

Mount St. Dominic Academy has also received a $500,000 grant to fund two educational initiatives which we hope to begin this spring:

 

 1) Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center Upgrade as well as a relocated Dance Studio 

 2) The 21st Century Classroom Initiative with up-to-date technology to support all subjects, especially STEM, business/entrepreneurship, and research-focused subjects.

 

 As stewards of the school our responsibility is to ensure the Academy’s long-term sustainability. One of the Board of Trustees most important responsibilities is to choose a Head of School. To that end, we have asked the following individuals to lead our Search Committee:

 

• Sue Bacon, ‘14P, ‘P17, MSDA  Board member, Search Committee Co-Chair

  • BNP Paribas Construction and Project Management

• Sandy Castor ‘01

  • Department Head of Economic Development for Middlesex County 

•  Lori Jane Dolan ‘24P, MSDA Board Member

  •  Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C)

•  Melissa Giampapa ’94, ’25 P

  • Math Department head at MSDA and current parent

• Megan Hladik ‘20P,’21P, ‘25P, ‘28P

• Colleen McElroy  ‘94, ‘23P, MSDA Board member, Search Committee Co-chair

  • Principal, The Deron School, Montclair

•  Michael Vigil

  • History Teacher and Director of Student Activities at MSDA

*Lynn Burek MSDA Interim Head of school and Sr. Patricia Tavis OP, Vicaress, Sisters of Saint Dominic  will serve as ex officio members of the committee. 

 

We are committed to conducting an inclusive, deliberate, and thoughtful search. I want to thank them for their willingness to dedicate themselves to this task. 

The Committee has met to discuss the search process in detail and to discuss hiring an independent search firm. In  2021,  we contracted with a search firm to assist us in our job. The result of that process was not what we had expected and yielded very few quality candidates and none of them were local.  We feel that with the prior knowledge and recent experience with a firm, we are equipped to lead a search on our own.

The  faculty and staff have already  been  part of the process. They received an online survey from the Search Committee in order to garner an understanding of what is  expected  from our next Head of School. To keep you informed, the Search Committee has set up this webpage with the latest information about the search. In addition, we will send periodic updates as the search progresses.  During the end of the process there will be interviews with Academy stakeholders and decision-makers including faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumni. 

While the transition from a long-serving head of school, followed by a few transitional years,  to a new leader may seem daunting, it also presents us with an opportunity to take stock of our institutional strengths and to be hopeful and excited about what is on the horizon. I look forward to your contribution to this important process. On behalf of the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees, thank you for your steadfast commitment to Mount Saint Dominic Academy.

Sincerely,

Kelly Sullivan King '84, ‘16P, ‘23P 

Board Chair, Mount Saint Dominic Academy

 

January 13, 2025

Dear Members of the Mount Community,

As the new year gets underway, we are excited to provide an update from the Head of School Search Committee. We are so enthusiastic about the progress we have made towards finding us a new Head of School! The search committee has been working to find the candidates that will best meet the needs of our community.

During this process, we received over 100 applications! We received interest from local administrators as well as candidates from all over the world! From that pool, we were able to be very selective and interview ten highly qualified candidates. During that first round of interviews in December, the search committee learned a lot about the candidates and their career experience. We worked to help them understand the uniqueness of the Mount and learned how their talents could be of benefit to our school.

From that pool of ten interviews, the search committee narrowed the pool down to five candidates. We brought back those candidates for a second round of interviews last week. For this round, not only was the search committee involved in the interview but so was the Mount administrative team. We thought it was important for them to be there to ask specific questions as to our needs at the Mount. These interviews were very informative and based on the interviews, resume review, and reference calls, we now have narrowed the application pool down to three finalists.

Each finalist will spend a day with the Mount community at the end of January. It is during this time that many students, faculty, some parents, the Board of Trustees, and the Sisters of St. Dominic will have the opportunity to meet these candidates. The search committee will get feedback from all of the members of our community who meet the candidates and then make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for final approval. We are confident that this will not be an easy decision, as all of our finalists have many gifts and talents to share with our community.

Throughout this process, we have been reminded about what a truly special community we have at Mount Saint Dominic Academy. Educational leaders from across the country have been drawn to this opportunity, inspired by our outstanding academic program, storied history, and clear mission.

We are very excited to be introducing you to these impressive individuals, and we appreciate the welcome you will give them. We know that, with your help, they will come away from their visit even more excited than they already are about the prospect of leading Mount Saint Dominic Academy.

Best regards,

Sue Bacon & Colleen McElroy ‘94

Head of School Search Team Co-Chairs