Head of Upper School Erich Schneider's staff photo. Courtesy of Shorecrest.org
Head of Upper School Erich Schneider’s time at Shorecrest will come to an end after the 2025-26 school year. Head of School Nancy Spencer announced the upcoming change in an email to the entire Shorecrest community on Tuesday, September 30.
Schneider came to Shorecrest in 2005 and has served as Head of Upper School since July 2021, first in an interim position, then full-time as of January 2022. He had previously held roles including Science Department Chair, Assistant Head of Upper School and Academic Dean.
While at Shorecrest, Schneider has contributed to many notable changes and developments. He oversaw the integration of Charger Commons into the daily routine of Upper School and guided the school through the COVID-19 pandemic. A new grade-level dean system, a four-person college counseling office and a new dress code have all come under Schneider’s leadership. Since stepping into his role, 100 percent of seniors have been accepted to colleges and/or universities.
In her email, Spencer said, “More personally, Erich is known for his deep commitment to this community through building strong relationships with colleagues, students and parents.”
Shorecrest has hired leadership search firm RG175 to help with finding Schneider’s successor. RG175 specializes in head of school and administrative searches, strategic planning and executive mentoring for independent and international schools. Shorecrest plans on holding events for the community to provide input in the search process.
Similarly, the school has been holding events for students, faculty and parents to add their voices to the ongoing search for Shorecrest’s next Director of Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with HKS advisory services. More details about the upcoming search and RG175 will become available in the upcoming weeks.
No reason has been given as to why Schneider will not maintain his position.
Schneider’s wife, Megan Schneider, is the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling and Interim Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Shorecrest. They have had three children graduate from Shorecrest between 2015 and 2023.
Schneider holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from St. Lawrence University and Boston College, respectively. He has worked at three different independent schools prior to coming to Shorecrest.
This is a developing story. The Chronicle will provide updates as more information becomes available.