Casady School - National Association of Episcopal Schools

Head of School Opportunity
Casady School
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
For more than 65 years, Casady School has stood as Oklahoma City’s premier
independent school, providing a stimulating and supportive educational environment
in which highly motivated students flourish in the classroom and beyond. Dedicated to
educating mind, body, and spirit, Casady’s talented faculty lead students to pursue excellence across a
diverse range of interests, inspiring academic, athletic, artistic, and spiritual growth.
An independent, Episcopal, coeducational, college
preparatory day school of more than 860 students in
grades PreK-12, Casady School offers students the
opportunity to acquire an enduring love of learning, an
understanding of traditional ethical principles, a social
conscience, and an appreciation for physical health.
Daily chapel services and a family-style lunch program
help to forge the strong sense of community that has
been a defining characteristic of the Casady experience
for generations.
Casady’s extraordinary resources include a $29 million
endowment and a stunning 80-acre campus of 29
buildings surrounding a scenic lake. The school
recently completed a $43 million capital campaign, the
funds from which were used to pay off the school’s
debt, construct a new LEED-certified math building,
expand and renovate the school’s chapel, completely
renovate the Lower Division Building, and supplement
the endowment. This summer, the school will
complete construction of a new Upper Division
Science/Art Building. By the end of the 2014-15
academic year, a multipurpose facility for younger
students also will be completed.
As a member of the prestigious Southwest Preparatory
Conference, Casady athletes compete against 18 of the
finest independent schools in Texas and Oklahoma.
The school is also a founding member of the
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and
has hosted the ISAS Arts Festival and will do so again
in the 2015-16 academic year.
For a position to begin in July 2015, Casady School is
seeking a dynamic, confident, and experienced
educational leader who will embrace the school’s
cherished mission and traditions while positioning
Casady for continued preeminence in a rapidly
changing world and an increasingly competitive
educational marketplace.
More information available online at:
www.casady.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
MISSION AND BELIEFS
Casady School develops excellence, confidence, and integrity in each of our
students by equipping them with the skills and knowledge that serve as the
foundation for success.
OUR BELIEFS
We believe an exceptional education should cultivate those habits of mind and character that enable
individuals to flourish at each stage of life. Casady School’s proven college-preparatory curriculum focuses on the
full development of each student, in mind, body, and spirit.
We believe the mind should be nourished and developed; therefore, our academic program provides our
students the challenges and opportunities necessary to develop critical and creative thinking skills, the ability to
plan, evaluate and implement actions, and most importantly, the support to nurture their passions.
We believe competitive athletics and physical education are central to the development of leadership and
teamwork as well as self-confidence and respect for others. Our students are participants rather than simply
spectators. Casady provides healthy and competitive opportunities that are critical to developing an appreciation for
wellness and fitness in each student.
We believe strong spiritual and moral values provide an essential foundation for one’s life; therefore, the
school provides instruction in the basic tenets of the Christian faith as expressed in the Episcopal tradition. Central
to the school are daily chapel services and instruction in theology and ethics. Casady embraces individuals
regardless of belief and values an understanding of all faiths.
As such, we help our students succeed by challenging and supporting them in every aspect of their
educational experience. The result is that our students are given every opportunity to realize their potential and use
it to make a difference in their community.
VITAL STATISTICS
FOUNDED: 1947
DEBT: None
LOCATION: 80-acre
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED, 2013-14: $2.74
campus in northwest Oklahoma City
ENROLLMENT, 2013-14:
Primary (PK-K)
Lower (1-4)
Middle (5-8)
Upper (9-12)
ANNUAL GIVING, 2013-14: $1
868
120
203
239
306
FULL-TIME TUITION, 2014-15: $12,010-$17,865
FINANCIAL AID: $2.17
million to 26% of student body
ACCREDITATION: Independent
Schools Association of the
Southwest
FACULTY: 94
full-time faculty with an average tenure of
16 years; 65% with advanced degrees
ENDOWMENT: $29
million, with 84% parent
participation
% OF STUDENT BODY BELONGING TO RACIAL MINORITIES: 27%
OPERATING BUDGET, 2013-14: $14.5
million
MEMBER: National
Association of Independent Schools,
National Association of Episcopal Schools,
Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools,
Cum Laude Society
million
million
2
CASADY SCHOOL: SIGNATURE STRENGTHS & DEFINING ATTRIBUTES
In the mid-1940s, the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Casady, Bishop of Oklahoma, and a group of concerned Episcopal laymen began
sharing the dream of starting a college preparatory school that would enable local students to obtain a first-rate education
without having to leave home. The doors opened in September 1947 with 37 students in grades 7-9, a Headmaster, three faculty,
two barns, and 38 acres. From these modest beginnings, Casady School has grown to approximately 870 students, more than 100
faculty and staff, 80 acres, and an impressive physical plant valued at more than $43 million. Today, it is recognized as one of
the outstanding independent day schools in the nation.
Far more than a motto, the school’s avowed commitment to the development of each student in mind, body, and spirit is a
defining strength and organizing principle of the educational program. Generations of alumni consistently cite the attention to
their well-rounded development as transformational in their personal growth. High expectations – both academic and personal
– are the norm. Anchored in its Episcopal foundation and deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian faith, Casady also has always
welcomed students of many faith traditions.
A spirit of community is highly valued at Casady School. Faculty-student relationships are genuine and meaningful. One
cherished tradition is the family-style lunch in the Middle and Upper Divisions, where faculty and students gather at tables
whose composition changes every two weeks. Students take turns serving their peers and teachers.
THE STUDENT BODY
As the premier independent school in its marketplace, Casady
appeals to families seeking a first-rate educational experience for
their children. Many have longstanding affiliations to Casady.
Loyalty to the school is also evident in the fact that more than half of
this year’s graduating class were “lifers,” having attended Casady
for their entire educational careers. As the Oklahoma City area has
grown and attracted many newcomers, Casady has become
increasingly diverse, with about 27 percent of the students
belonging to racial minorities.
Casady’s enrollment peaked in 2008 at 916 and has fluctuated in the
years since. Like most independent schools, Casady has seen an
increasing demand for financial aid and has responded with an
expanded investment in this area. The school last year awarded more than $2 million in financial aid to more than one-quarter
of the student body.
Casady serves an academically diverse, highly motivated, and friendly group of students. Casady has graduated more than 70
National Merit Scholars since 2001, and graduates over that same period have earned more than $37 million in college
scholarships. Mean SAT scores for the Class of 2014 were 631 Critical Reading, 620 Math, and 637 Writing. The mean ACT
Composite for that class was 27.4.
The 73 members of the Class of 2014 were admitted to 95 colleges and universities throughout the nation and will matriculate at
these 34 institutions:
Baylor University*
Indiana University – Bloomington
St. Edward’s University
Boston University
Inst Tecnologico de Buenos Aires
St. Louis University
Cornell University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
St. Olaf College
Duke University
New York University
Texas Christian University*
Earlham College
Oklahoma Baptist University
The University of Texas – Austin
Florida State University
Oklahoma State University*
Tufts University
Grinnell College
Pomona College
University of Arizona
Harding University
Rhodes College
University of Arkansas*
Harvard University
Rice University*
University of Georgia
3
University of Oklahoma*
University of Tampa
Xavier University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin – Madison
*Two or more attending
University of Puget Sound*
Vanderbilt University
THE FACULTY
Casady’s dedicated and supportive faculty is among its signature strengths. Casady has
more than its share of legendary faculty members who are beloved by alumni, students,
and parents. Teachers are accustomed to a great deal of classroom autonomy and are
fiercely dedicated to their students and their subjects. Approximately two-thirds of the
faculty hold advanced degrees.
The average tenure of the faculty at Casady last year was 16 years, an extraordinary
demonstration of commitment. The school has, however, recently seen some significant
turnover of faculty, particularly in the Upper Division, where 30 percent of the faculty
retired or moved on at the end of the 2013-14 academic year.
The school has more than doubled its professional development budget over the past
decade, funding the pursuit of graduate degrees and both school-wide and divisional inservice activities.
ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNANCE, AND VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
Following the departure of Head of School Christopher Bright after a six-year tenure, Casady is being ably led this year by
Interim Head Nathan Sheldon, the school’s Associate Head and CFO since 2001. The 14-member senior administrative team
reporting to the Head of School includes a mix of veterans and relative newcomers. This team includes: Primary Division
Director, Lower Division Director, Middle Division Director, Upper Division Director, Vicar of the Chapel of St. Edward,
Interim Chief Financial Officer, Director of Physical Plant and Operations, Athletic Director, Summer Programs and Auxiliary
Revenue Director, Director of Psychological Services and Learning Specialists, Director of Technology, Director of Admissions,
Director of Advancement, and Director of Communications.
The 17-member Board of Trustees is a dedicated and generous group that has been actively involved in recent years in ensuring
the school’s financial strength and sustainability through prudent fiscal controls and successful fundraising. Including both
alumni and parents, the Board is working through the beginning stages of a strategic planning process that will set the stage for
the next era in Casady’s continuing development.
The 35-member Board of Visitors, composed of distinguished community and business leaders, serves in an advisory capacity to
the Board of Trustees. An annual meeting is held on the Casady campus to acquaint its members with current matters, and the
Board of Visitors in turn offers informal advice and assistance regarding curriculum, facilities, operations, and other matters.
The current Board of Visitors includes alumni from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Casady’s 3,300 living alumni are well represented by the 35-member Alumni Association Board. This group serves the alumni
through networking activities, social functions, and community services. The Alumni Association Board has sponsored an
annual Golf Tournament for the past 20 years, contributes to various funds, and encourages alumni support of the school. Last
year, 22 percent of the alumni contributed to the Annual Fund.
Parents are active supporters of the Casady mission and programs. The Casady Parents’ Organization is actively involved in
both friend-raising and fundraising, contributing more than $2 million and more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the school over
the past 11 years. In 2011, the Cyclone Booster Club was formed to support Casady athletic programs through fundraising and
volunteer service. The Casady Arts Alliance plays a similar role on behalf of Casady’s fine and performing arts programs.
Casady has recorded impressive gains in annual fundraising in recent years. Annual giving has grown from $714,000 in 2004-05
to more than $1 million last year. Participation by all groups has increased, including 100 percent participation by faculty and
staff, 100 percent Board participation, and participation rates by parents topping 80 percent for the past four years. These
impressive gains were accomplished even as Casady wrapped up its Forward Focus Capital Campaign, which was launched in
2007 and concluded last year with gifts and pledges of $43 million.
4
LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES
The result of decades of continuous growth and expansion, the Casady campus today is
a showpiece. Twenty-nine buildings dot the 80-acre campus, including the beautiful
McClendon Middle School (shown on the front page), built in 2000, and the LEEDcertified W.R. Johnston Math Building, dedicated in 2010. As they move through their
Casady experience, students also move around the scenic eight-acre Casady Lake to
their ultimate destination: the college-like Upper Division campus. The Upper Division
side of the Lake features separate buildings for each discipline equipped with faculty
offices in addition to classrooms, a snack bar, a vibrant library, a student center, and
a student resource center staffed by a trained learning specialist. A fully wireless
campus that is equipped with more than 300 computers, SmartBoards and other
technology resources, the Casady campus also includes a 310-seat theater and
performing arts classrooms.
Constructed in 1950 and extensively renovated and expanded in 2011,
The Chapel of St. Edward serves as both the physical and spiritual center
of Casady School. More than 600 daily services are conducted there each
school year, and community celebrations during Christmas and Easter
are cherished traditions. Alumni and other members of the Casady
family use the chapel for baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Casady’s extensive athletic facilities include a 1,500-seat football stadium,
a field house, a second gymnasium, 12 tennis courts, a 400-meter track,
and numerous well-groomed athletic fields for each of the sports
offerings at the school. Constructed in 2001, The Bennett Athletic Center
houses eight locker rooms, a conference room, a wrestling/multipurpose room, an athletic training room, a strength &
conditioning room, a coaches’ workroom, and a lobby that pays tribute to Casady athletes, coaches and fans, past and present.
Members of the Casady family are eagerly anticipating the results of the two major construction projects now under way. The
new 22,000-square-foot Upper Division Science/Art Building will double available science lab space while introducing modern
equipment and safety features. The art spaces will include a photography studio, kilns for ceramics, and classrooms for painting
and drawing. A commons area will host evening events, class meetings, and guest speakers. A new multipurpose building
serving the Primary and Lower Divisions will provide a needed venue for gross and fine motor skill activities as well as afterschool programs. Both new facilities will be equipped with concrete safe rooms designed to withstand wind gusts of up to 250
miles per hour.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA CITY
Oklahoma City, the state capital, is a friendly, thriving city with a metro population of more than 1.3 million. Now in the midst
of an oil boom, it is one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in the nation. Forbes Magazine has named it both one of
the country’s most affordable cities and the most recession-proof. In addition to the energy industry, the health sciences
industry, and other corporate headquarters, OKC has significant federal and state employment sectors as well as an emerging
tech industry.
With more than $5 billion invested in new development, downtown Oklahoma City today is a cosmopolitan center featuring a
myriad of cultural and entertainment activities, including a nationally recognized art museum and science museum and worldclass zoo. Also, Oklahoma City has one of the fastest-growing entertainment districts in the Southwest, including an Olympic
rowing venue adjacent to more than 13 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, connecting the area to a revitalized downtown area
and snaking a path through a number of revitalized and historically significant neighborhoods. The Oklahoma City Thunder,
the city’s NBA franchise, enjoys strong community support. Thirteen miles of trails run along the sparkling Oklahoma River.
The city of Norman, home to The University of Oklahoma, is just 30 miles away, and the City of Stillwater, home of Oklahoma
State University, is 60 miles away.
For additional information about Oklahoma City, visit www.okcchamber.com.
5
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Casady’s multifaceted curriculum, 18 Advanced Placement courses, 21 varsity sports, more than 25 clubs and activities, and
daily chapel services all provide evidence of the school’s intentional approach to developing students in mind, body, and spirit.
With an average student-teacher ratio of 8:1 school wide, the dedicated faculty is able to provide personal attention and a
tailored curriculum to meet the individual needs and strengths of each student. Learning specialists in the Lower, Middle, and
Upper Divisions work with faculty and families to provide individualized Academic Achievement Plans for students with
diagnosed learning differences. Psychological services are available, with specialized support for emotional, social, and
behavioral issues.
PRIMARY DIVISION (PRE-K-KINDERGARTEN)
Casady’s youngest students get off to a strong start in the Primary Division’s highly
regarded Montessori-based program. In bright, child-centered spaces, students move
through an eight-day rotating schedule of Practical Life, Language, and
Sensorial/Mathematics activities, augmented by Library, Art, Cooking, Science,
Geography, Spanish, and Music. Most children enter the division at the age of 3 or 4,
choosing from among a range of two-, three-, and five-day programs that include both
half- and full-day options. Kindergarten is a full-day, five-day program.
Before- and after-school care options are available, as is a fee-based after-school enrichment program for Kindergarteners that
includes classes such as Spanish, Chinese, and Yoga.
LOWER DIVISION (GRADES 1-4)
The Lower Division aspires to create a challenging academic environment that also allows each child to develop his or her
unique talents and abilities. The curriculum is guided by the belief that active, hands-on experiences, emphasizing the
relationships among disciplines, make learning meaningful for young children. In addition to the core subjects of language arts,
math, social studies, and science, students are introduced to Spanish and enjoy weekly classes in visual arts and music. Physical
education classes are offered daily. Religious and ethical instruction is presented through the daily chapel service as well as a
once-a-week Bible class. A signature program in second grade celebrates 89er Day with a full day’s worth of activities that let
students experience a day in the life of an early Oklahoma settler. Optional after-school enrichment classes allow students to
explore topics such as Spanish, Chinese, violin, ballroom dancing, Irish dancing, Mad Science, chess, yoga, and running.
MIDDLE DIVISION (GRADES 5-8)
Curricular integration and collaboration are key themes of the Middle Division program.
Grade-level pods in the Middle Division building ensure that students and faculty in each
grade can work together easily. Teachers in each grade collaboratively plan coursework,
develop special projects, and discuss the strengths and needs of each student. Sixth-grade
science, English, and math classes collaborate each year on Science Fair projects; seventhgrade English and history are fully integrated and theme-based. Academic classes mix
creativity with traditional methods. Students study art, music, drama, Bible, computer,
science, Latin, history, math, English, and French or Spanish as part of their core
curriculum requirements.
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Enrichment Program, offered on several Fridays during the
school year, is designed to provide education and support in areas such as emotional and
physical development, family and peer relationships, and community service. Activities
include short courses and activities offered by faculty sponsors, guest speakers, and onand off-campus volunteer opportunities.
Popular Middle Division academic enrichment activities include MathCounts and Science Olympiad, which has produced
teams that have captured state and national recognition.
6
UPPER DIVISION (GRADES 9-12)
Upper Division students pursue a rigorous and broad-based liberal arts curriculum that includes more than 100 courses,
including many Honors and Advanced Placement options. With a daily schedule incorporating study halls, tutorial periods,
club meetings, the family-style lunch, and a daily chapel service, students learn to manage their time in preparation for their
college experience. In addition, students are expected to participate in co-curricular activities including athletics, debate, theater,
cheerleading, and fitness programs. More than 25 clubs offer opportunities for leadership, fellowship, and service.
The school year is divided into trimesters, with three trimesters equal to one credit. Graduation requirements include four
credits of English; three credits of math and a single foreign language; two or three credits of science and history; and one credit
in fine arts. While students in the Class of 2015 must complete a third year of either history or science, future classes will be
required to earn three credits in both subject areas. Additional requirements include 45 hours of community service and 10
trimesters of athletic participation or physical education. Foreign languages include French, Spanish, Latin, and Chinese.
CHAPEL PROGRAM AND RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Each day in each division, students and faculty gather in St. Edward's
Chapel for a time of spiritual refreshment, prayer, and worship. Daily
Chapel consists of an abbreviated, yet spirit-filled, prayer service from
the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer. The Chapel Talk – offered
by the chaplains, students, or guests from the larger Oklahoma City
community – provides a special opportunity for students to learn values
of faith, hope, and love.
The theology department provides instruction in the classroom through
Bible classes, which are required in grades one through eight. These courses alternate between Old (Hebrew) and New
(Christian) Testaments with different emphases that reflect the developmental stages of the students.
SERVICE LEARNING
In keeping with the school’s Judeo-Christian foundation, students
in all divisions are encouraged to give of themselves to others.
The program is formalized in the Upper Division, where students
are required to complete 45 hours of community service. Most
students, however, do much more; the Upper Division logged
more than 25,000 hours during the 2012-13 academic year alone.
Student leaders in the Youth Advisory Council choose annual
service projects involving the entire student body such as
building a home with Habitat for Humanity or assisting with the
operation of the local Food Bank. In addition, students have
worked on their own projects such as: Socks for Soldiers, Sow
Love Zambia (building a school at an orphanage in Zambia), and
H2OPE (partnering with a charity to raise funds to build a well for an African school of 1,000 students).
AUXILIARY PROGRAMS
Casady provides its families with a range of auxiliary services that offer both added value to families and revenue of nearly $1
million annually. These services include before- and after-school care, enrichment classes, an express shuttle bus, and Summer
by the Lake, a comprehensive set of academic, arts, and athletic offerings serving more than 600 students from Casady and other
schools each summer.
7
THE ARTS
Budding artists and musicians find many opportunities to shine at
Casady. The Lower Division Arts Program includes weekly visual
art and music classes in dedicated classrooms with professional
art and music educators. Additional opportunities for art and
music participation exist in optional enrichment classes after
school. Singing Cyclones is an extracurricular choir opportunity
for students who want to become even more musically involved
with choir performances. Students sing throughout the year for
chapel presentations, Evening of the Arts on Casady’s campus,
and Oklahoma City's Festival of the Arts.
In the Middle Division, all students in fifth and sixth grades are enrolled in visual
arts and music. Music classes include choral, strings and an introduction to winds
and percussion. Elective courses are offered in seventh and eighth grades in visual
art, choral, theater, percussion, strings and winds. Students may participate in
recitals, concerts, and contests.
The Upper Division offers a full slate of performance and visual arts classes through
the AP level. Fine arts disciplines include photography, drawing, printmaking,
sculpture, and video. Musical ensembles include the Casady Choir, String
Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Both
visual and performing arts students attend the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Arts Festival, which
showcases the talents of more than 3,500 students each year.
ATHLETICS
Casady’s participation in the Southwest Preparatory Conference offers its student athletes an extraordinary opportunity to
interact with and compete against students from many of the finest independent schools in the Southwest – schools with
philosophies and educational programs similar to that of Casady. Varsity teams travel regularly to Texas and to Tulsa for many
games, and the camaraderie developed on these sports trips is among the favorite memories recounted by alumni. Casady has
captured more than 150 team championships since it joined the conference in 1952, an enviable record considering the
outstanding level of competition within the conference.
In the Upper Division, Casady fields teams in 21 sports, including football, field hockey, volleyball, cross country, basketball,
swimming, soccer, wrestling, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and track. Middle Division fifth- and sixth-graders have daily
physical education courses. Casady students in the seventh and eighth grades can choose from a variety of competitive sports
during each of the three athletic seasons.
8
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
The next Head of Casady School will join an impressive institution with an inspiring
mission, a longstanding reputation for excellence, an outstanding faculty and staff,
wonderful students, extraordinary facilities, loyal alumni, and an exceptionally solid
educational program.
With the help of a dedicated Board of Trustees and effective leadership in the
business office, Casady has emerged stronger than ever from a period of financial
difficulty in the early 2000s that was precipitated by the unfortunate combination of
an unanticipated enrollment shortfall, incurrence of excessive debt, and deficit
spending. The school is now in very solid financial shape – debt-free, operating in the black with appropriate reserves and a $29
million endowment, and committed to a prudent policy of undertaking construction only when the funds to build and support
new facilities are in hand.
With the fiscal and physical plant challenges now behind the school, Casady’s leadership is eager to return the focus to the
business of teaching and learning. The Board has taken the first steps toward constructing the initial framework for a new
Strategic Plan by conducting a survey of the school community and convening for an overnight retreat to evaluate the survey
results from across the constituencies. The next Head of School will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of
the Strategic Plan and lead its execution. Among the specific challenges and opportunities likely to emerge from that process are
the following:

Admissions and Marketing. Although firmly situated as the region’s premier independent school, Casady is experiencing
increased competition from public and other private options that has resulted in some softening of admissions demand.
The next Head of School will be asked to lead the effort to reinforce Casady’s image and identity in the broader community,
ensuring that new audiences understand its signature strengths and enduring value as an independent Episcopal college
preparatory day school dedicated to the development of well-rounded young people.

Mission Balance and the Educational Program. As a school committed to educating the mind, body, and spirit, Casady
faces the inevitable challenge of balancing attention to each of these three pillars in ways that satisfy a diverse student body.
Casady’s unwavering commitment to academic rigor has been a defining characteristic since Casady was founded. For
generations, students have been prepared to compete for placement in the nation’s most selective institutions of higher
education. While two-thirds of Casady alumni traditionally opted to attend out-of-state colleges and universities, that
profile is changing. More than half of this year’s graduates – a very strong class academically – chose to attend in-state
public universities where tuitions are more affordable and a breadth of opportunities are available close to home. As a
result, the school must ensure that its academic programs and policies serve students well regardless of their college
destinations.
As is the case in all independent schools, more students are also presenting with learning differences that require academic
accommodations. Meeting the needs of the full range of students who attend Casady requires thoughtful attention and
clear communication from the Head of School about how the longstanding Casady mission translates to the present day
and these students and all students’ needs.
Casady’s PK-12 configuration is a defining strength, enabling the school to offer a continuum of learning across the four
divisions. Ensuring that there is curricular scope and sequence as well as clear communication and faculty cooperation
across divisions should be a high priority for the next Head of School. The current administrative structure does not include
a position tasked with school-wide management of the curriculum, but the changing and challenging educational
environment may dictate the need for such a position.
The school’s membership in the Southwest Preparatory Conference is both a point of pride and a challenge. Taxing travel
schedules for athletes and the highly competitive nature of the conference with schools of varying size cause some members
of the Casady community to question whether it is the best choice for a school committed to balance. Advocates for the arts
express concern that an emphasis on athletics may come at the expense of the fine and performing arts.

Leadership and Governance. Impressive though it has been, Casady’s momentum over the past decade has been impacted
by leadership transitions in key positions. The Upper Division, which will have an Interim Director this year, has been
9
particularly affected by turnover in senior positions. The Casady community is eager to welcome a new Head of School
who will be committed to Casady and who will be able to build a stable leadership team that can move the school forward.
The next Head of School will want to ensure that governance best practices are honored and that both governance and
administration are conducted with transparency and professionalism.

Ensuring a Strong Faculty. Casady’s stellar faculty has long been the linchpin on which the school’s excellence depends.
Recent leadership instability has led to some faculty morale issues. It is vital that the next Head of School set as a high
priority the recruitment and retention of exceptional teachers who will carry on the school’s cherished mission. Teachers are
eager for a Head who will honor their wisdom and commitment, support their desire for excellence, and involve them fully
in key decisions about teaching and learning. With strong financial underpinnings, nationally competitive faculty salaries
remain a strong priority.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
Casady is seeking an inspiring and visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence and a desire to build upon
the very solid foundation already in place. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess most of the following:
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Excellent academic credentials, with preference for an advanced degree, coupled
with evidence of a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning.

An educational philosophy that is consistent with Casady’s Mission Statement,
including an understanding of and support for the school’s foundation as an
independent Episcopal college preparatory day school and its commitment to the
development of mind, body, and spirit.

Successful experience as a classroom teacher and administrator, ideally in an
independent school of high quality.

Knowledge of best practices in curriculum across the PK-12 spectrum and familiarity with issues surrounding
education in the 21st century.

Excellent management and administrative skills.

Demonstrated ability to support, inspire, and strengthen a talented faculty, including recruitment, retention,
evaluation, and professional development.

Experience in effectively managing organizational change.

Financial acumen.

The ability and willingness to participate actively in institutional advancement, including fundraising and external
relations.

Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
LEADERSHIP TRAITS

An ethical leader who demonstrates great integrity, wisdom, and strength of character
– serving as a role model for students and adults.

A confident, visionary, and inspiring leader who can both develop and lead the
execution of strategy.

A present, engaged, and hands-on leader who is eager to become immersed in the life
of the school.

A unifying leader with exceptional interpersonal skills; a relationship builder.

An open and transparent leader who is results-oriented.
PERSONAL QUALITIES

A genuine interest in committing to Casady and Oklahoma City.

An appreciation for diversity and a sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusion.

Energy and optimism.

Respect for the value of tradition, coupled with the ability to implement change thoughtfully.
10
ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR
Application deadline:
September 10, 2014
Selection of semifinalists:
September 22, 2014
Semifinalist interviews:
October 4-5, 2014
Finalist visits:
October 2014
Appointment:
October/November 2014
Start date:
July 1, 2015
THE SEARCH PROCESS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMEN TS
Acting on behalf of Casady, Wickenden Associates
is actively recruiting talented educational leaders
who possess the skills, personal qualities, and
experience necessary to meet the requirements of
this exciting and challenging position.
The lead consultants are James Wickenden
([email protected]) and Susan Walters
([email protected]).
Applicants should submit by
September 10, 2014, the following:
Wednesday,

A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position.

A current résumé.

A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting material (e.g. articles or speeches) that
would be useful to the Search Committee.

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from
candidates before contacting references.)
These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to [email protected].
Note: Candidates who are new to Wickenden Associates are particularly encouraged to initiate the
application process as soon as possible and well before the deadline.
After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will select semifinalists, who will be
interviewed over the weekend of October 4-5, 2014. Finalists will then be invited to Casady for a more
comprehensive series of interviews with representatives of the school’s constituencies. Ideally, a final
selection will be made no later than November. Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed
of their status throughout the process.
1000 Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-7716
Tel: 609-683-1355
Fax: 609-683-1351
Website: www.wickenden.com Email: [email protected]
11