Head of School Nancy Spencer last semestered announced that Head of Upper School Erich Schneider will end his tenure after four years in the position and 21 years at Shorecrest. 

     Spencer also informed the student body via email that a search process to find a new candidate is underway, ensuring the chosen candidate will be prepared to fill the position at the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

     Over the next two weeks, three finalists will visit campus to meet with community members and complete the final round of interviews. Spencer’s final decision will be made this month, allowing for a smooth transition.

     One month after the initial announcement, Spencer sent another email to the student body updating them on the hiring process. In the email, she explained that Shorecrest formed an Upper School Head Search Advisory Committee to screen potential finalists and determine who would not only meet expectations, but also thrive in this position. 

     Asst. Head of School, Head of Middle School and In-House Counsel Kristine Grant chairs the committee.

     “We are looking for a visionary leader,” Grant said. “I am confident that the next head can keep our traditions while ensuring we remain ahead of the curve in academics and innovation.”

     The committee also includes Director of GSI and US Social Studies Chair Kayla Brazee, Associate Director of Athletics Richard Cameron, US Arts & Humanities Teacher and Visual Arts Department Chair Charla Gaglio, 9th Grade Dean and US Spanish Teacher Al Irwin and Spencer herself.

     “I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be on this committee,” Gaglio said. “It gives me a window into what the future will be, and I think that’s always fun to see.”

     Shorecrest also hired Resource Group 175 (RG175) to assist in the administrative search. RG175 is a firm that assists independent schools in the hiring of school leadership. RG175 recently met with Shorecrest students and the Advisory Committee to develop a job description that aligns with the school’s needs.

     In her email to Upper School students, Spencer wrote that Shorecrest is looking for a “visionary new leader.” 

     Similarly, Irwin explained that candidates must go beyond meeting the basic requirements for the role. 

     “They don’t only buy into the words of our mission statement; they support and become part of the action,” Irwin said.

     Candidates are also expected to be passionate about the job and willing to go above and beyond to foster growth.

     “You don’t want somebody who defaults to education,” Gaglio said. “I always want to ask somebody who’s coming to join us, ‘What motivated you? Why do you want to work with this age group?’”

     In addition to managing the Upper School, the new head has to build strong relationships with both faculty and students, creating an environment where people feel heard and respected.

     “Are they actively involved with the teachers? Are they in the classrooms? Are they with the students? Do you know that person? Does that person know you?” Irwin said.

     Shorecrest has actively involved students throughout this process. They received a Community Survey, and the Committee then used this feedback to build the final job description. RG175 also sat with select US students to get a closer look at what they want from the new Head.

     Irwin emphasized the importance of making student voices the foundation for finding the new Head. 

     “We need someone to tell our story and tell it well … That person needs to be involved with every part of his, her or their constituency,” he said.

     Shorecrest hopes that the new head will guide the Upper School through the ever-changing world of education.

     “You want to be sure that you’re looking ahead and trying to plan for the future of education, because things are changing,” Gaglio said.