November 22, 2011
Dear Members of the St. James Community,
On behalf of the Vestry and St. James Academy (SJA) Board of Trustees it is our distinct privilege to announce the appointment of Karl Adler as the next Head of School effective July 1, 2012. The Board’s unanimous decision to select Mr. Adler followed the strong and enthusiastic recommendation of the Head Search Committee, informed by the Search Advisory Committee, that cited a compelling match between SJA’s sustainable, mission-related qualities and Mr. Adler’s educational preparation, professional experience, personal strengths, and passion for the Kindergarten – Eighth Grade model.
Mr. Adler is an educator and leader who currently serves as the much beloved Assistant and Middle School Head of Calverton School, Huntingtown, MD. In addition to his MEd in School Improvement and Leadership from Goucher College, he holds a Johns Hopkins University Post-Graduate Certificate in Independent School Leadership. Mr. Adler has fifteen years of teaching experience some of which have been in Church-related schools with an International Baccalaureate Programme.
Characterized by a quiet, strong, open leadership style, Mr. Adler is dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of the “St. James Way” to preserve our uniqueness while mentoring our faculty into ever-increasing excellence and loving our children into their personal success. Moreover, Mr. Adler’s thoughtful and spiritual engagement provides SJA with a compelling leader for the 21st Century!
Mr. Adler’s appointment concludes an extensive national search assisted by Dr. Richard Jung of Education Access Strategies, The Head Search Committee composed of six members, fifteen members of the Search Advisory Committee and the diligent work of numerous others. We are honored that Mr. Adler has accepted our offer to serve SJA as its next head of school and we welcome Karl’s spouse, Danielle Adler and their two children. Danielle’s warmth and emerging love for SJA is palpable and we look forward to her involvement in our school and community, as well.
As we anticipate an exciting future ahead the Board is committed to a comprehensive transition process to ensure that Karl and his family have multiple opportunities to begin developing relationships with students, parents, teachers, and staff during the months before he officially begins SJA Headship. Thanks to the full engagement of our community in this faithful process both Mr. Adler and Dr. Legenhausen are prepared to work together until June 30, 2012 on your behalf!
The Board and the Search Committee extend their sincere gratitude to students, parents, faculty, staff, and Church members who worked diligently to provide input during this comprehensive process. Impressive and thoughtful comments were received and carefully considered at every stage of the process. Please join us in welcoming Karl and Danielle into the SJA community!
With warm regards,
Thomas Moore, Chair Al Rubeling, Chair
SJA Board of Trustees Head Search Committee