St. John’s Episcopal School
Answers to Questions You May Have Q: Why Mark Crotty? A: While several applicants had one or more key attributes that aligned with our candidate profile, Mark Crotty is the total package. Of all the candidates, Mark was the clear choice, based on his experience, tangible attributes and fit with the St. John’s culture. Q: How did the vote go? A: It’s pretty amazing; all members of the Search Committee and Board of Trustees voted in favor of Mark Crotty. Both the vote to recommend Mark to the Board and the vote to extend an offer to him were unanimous. Q: What is it about him that led the Search Committee and Board to select him? A: There are many things about Mark that make him the right choice for our new Head. But the most important things are that he fit the candidate profile so well and demonstrated to us – through his interviews, one‐on‐one conversations, parent sessions and faculty sessions – that he gets St. John’s and truly wants to be here. Q: What attracted Mark to St. John’s? A: Mark tells us he was drawn to St. John’s for many reasons, but two things stood out for him: 1. In the search for a new Head of School, St. John’s seemed to be looking for the right person rather than the right resume. That signaled what was important to our community and showed insight about what makes a successful independent school. 2. But Mark says his deciding factor was his two‐day visit to our campus. He is impressed by his interactions with students and tells stories that would make a parent beam with pride. He is moved by how the students and teachers interact. And he speaks of the happiness and enthusiasm for learning that he felt throughout the school. Q: What is his background? A: Mark’s bio and educational philosophy are posted on the website, but the highlights are as follows: •
He is currently the Director of Curriculum for pre‐k through 12 at Greenhill School in Dallas. In his nearly 20 years at Greenhill, he has taught both middle and high school English and coached soccer. •
He began his career at The Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade, Louisiana where he served as Assistant to the Headmaster, taught middle and high school English and was the Dean of Students. •
Mark has taught summer programs at The Hockaday School. Page 1 St. John’s Episcopal School
Answers to Questions You May Have •
He is active and well‐regarded in the independent school community and has participated in peer school evaluations, conducting workshops and seminars, and presenting at independent school conferences around the country. •
He has a Masters in Liberal Arts from SMU and a Bachelors of Arts in English from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He also completed the summer program at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College, Vermont. •
Mark grew up in Bedford, New York and has played and coached soccer up to the semi‐
professional level. Q: What happens next? A: Mark will join St. John’s in July 2010. Until then, our Interim Head of School, Judy Gass, will continue to lead St. John’s as she has since last July. Q: When will we get to meet him? A: We will look for various ways to introduce Mark to the community between now and the start of school in the fall. He may come to a few key events in the spring, but since he does not start until July 2010, most of the events will be in the summer and back‐to‐school time period. Q: Has he led a school? A: He has not, but he has played a senior administrative role, working across all grade levels. In his current role at Greenhill, his span of responsibility is broad. There is literally no aspect of school life in which Mark is not somehow engaged. Throughout his career, when Mark has taken on new and expanded responsibilities, he has done his homework, worked hard and excelled. We know he will do the same at St. John’s. Q: Why didn’t we go with someone who had the experience of leading K‐8? A: Experience is one factor, but experience alone will not ensure success. Mark Crotty’s experience, fit and capacity make him the right match for St. John’s. Q: What is Mark’s experience with a Lower School? A: As the curriculum director for Greenhill, he is responsible for shaping the curriculum for the entire school – pre‐k through high school. He understands how students learn and develop at all ages. Q: What is the Board doing to support Mark in his new role? A: The Board of Trustees has worked hard over the past six months to clarify the distinction between the church and school. And that work continues. A joint Board/Vestry task force is currently working on by‐laws and governance issues to further clarify and strengthen the relationship. Mark will have the full support of the Board as he leads the school. Page 2 St. John’s Episcopal School
Answers to Questions You May Have Q: Will his children attend St. John’s? A: Mark’s daughter will be an eighth grader next year, and St. John’s does not admit students in their eighth grade year. His son will be a fifth grader and has grown up at Greenhill, so it is like a second home to him, just as St. John’s is for our students. Mark and his wife have decided their children will remain at Greenhill. Q: Will his family join the church? Mark and his family have been active members of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church for 15 years. They are very involved with the parish; his wife is a Vestry member, his daughter serves as an acolyte, and he is involved with Christian education. There will certainly be times when Mark attends St. John’s, but he plans to remain a parishioner of St. Christopher’s. Page 3