Principal Search: Staff Voice Their Opinions

In addition to the input of students, faculty, alumni and parents, the Principal Search Committee has also sought contributions from the Academy staff in the ongoing quest for Exeter’s 15th principal. More than 460 hired employees have been encouraged to share their opinions in numerous ways, which include sending any suggestions to the search email and attending the listening sessions alongside students and faculty. In addition, two staff members serve on the search committee to continually represent the views of Exeter's staff.Staff members represent a diverse group on campus with the ability to share varied opinions and perspectives. Principal Search Committee head and trustee Tony Downer emphasized the importance of staff voice in the principal search process. “We could not begin to get through a day without their countless contributions in such areas as dining services, facilities, custodial services, IT, Institutional Advancement and the like,” Downer said.Dean of Faculty Ronald Kim, who also serves on the search committee, felt similarly encouraged by the involvement of various constituencies that have voiced their opinions during the process so far. Due to this input, Kim stated that “[The process] has been going well and according to schedule.”“The comments we have received have been incredibly helpful,” Kim continued, “and they reveal tremendous insight, caring and commitment to the future of this school. I was pleased with the number of faculty, staff, alumni and parents who participated in the sessions or who wrote to the committee.”Downer explained that specifically the perspective gained by having two staff members on the search committee in turn "enriches our perspective in every committee conversation.”During the Harkness sessions open for community participation, staff represented a large portion of the participants, according to Downer. “In those sessions, numerous staff shared their views on the community values they most highly cherished,” he said, “what steps the 15th principal could take to ensure the community was as cohesive as it could be, how the Academy could continue to forge constructive bonds with the town of Exeter, and what type of leader they would like to see in the 15th principal.”Kim described the two questions that the search committee hoped to have answered as, “What are the qualities we should be looking for in the next principal?” as well as “What are the challenges and opportunities for Phillips Exeter Academy in coming years?” He explained that in order to have the most effect, responses needed to be solicited from as many groups as possible.Staff members were encouraged that the search committee gave thought to all voice on campus. “[We have] had an equal opportunity to give input,” Jill Robinson, senior manager for Sustainability and Natural Resources, said. She explained that while she submitted her input through a letter to the Principal Search Committee, she also gave a written summary of her remarks and observations during the listening sessions she participated in, ensuring to make her thoughts heard. “Input from all students, faculty and staff is very important,” she added.Assistant to Music Department Chair Patrice Baker also saw how vital varied responses are to the Search Committee. “I think it makes sense that the principal search committee has solicited input from all members of the community,” she said.Baker continued, “I know that many of my friends and colleagues have participated in the various discussions that have taken place. I felt that the committee members were listening closely and carefully to the comments from the participants in the discussion that I attended.” She also stressed that, “by listening to the thoughts and perspectives from everyone, the committee members will be able to get a real sense of the values, priorities, and needs of the community as a whole.”Joseph Goudreault, the mailroom supervisor, said that the decision cannot be made by a singular group on campus. “If we are not working the same wheel as a community,” he explained, “we will not be turning in the right direction.”Anita Bailey, senior program manager and Principal Search Committee member, was also pleased with the equality given to all voices on campus. “One of the things that Phillips Exeter does well is in how we are all given similar opportunities to be informed about critical issues affecting us, and are given the chance to provide input,” she said. Bailey also explained that regardless of the contributor’s status in the community, any “thought provoking” comment or one that lends the most insight to the selection process has value.In terms of qualities that staff saw as most important, there was no unifying factor, but the assorted suggestions have proved helpful to the committee nonetheless.Robinson said that at Exeter, a principal must have “integrity, demonstration of strength and character, a willingness to listen to all points of view, but then be willing to take a position and lead, even if it is not the most popular idea.”Bailey said that overarching themes seen in the data and opinions gathered by the community were ones of a principal that both upholds the Academy’s traditions, and works to develop the school in its future as “a great place to learn, live and work.” More personally, Bailey saw the most important characteristics of a future principal as someone with respect, “for the people here, for our campus and for our global presence.”Goudreault hoped to see a similar administration upheld under Exeter’s fifteenth principal. “I would like the next principal to continue the vision for the school that Principal Hassan saw, and hopefully it does not fall out of focus,” he said.