The head of school at Hotchkiss announced on Jan. 2 that he is leaving to become head of the Stevenson School in California, his alma mater. He says his reasons are that he is fond of his old school and wants to be closer to school. But I find this a little odd since he was only had of Hotchkiss for 2 years. It seems like a very short tenure and it makes me wonder if there’s something going on that might be a problem over the next couple of years until it gets sorted out. Also, the inevitable turmoil which accompanies any transition is a cause for concern. I know all schools go through periods of turmoil, but I’m wondering if anyone has any insights about this one at this point in time. My child is applying and I’m wondering if that might be a bad idea right now. Thoughts?
I’m not sure your description of Kevin Hicks’s reasons for leaving is entirely fair. Yes, he’s leaving to go be the head of Stevenson, but you make it sound a bit sophomoric. Or at least that’s how it read to my ears. Not only is Stevenson his alma mater, but it allows him to return to living in his hometown, where the rest of his family still lives. Although his letter to the school didn’t say so explicitly, I inferred that he might have family reasons for wanting to move back to be near them (just guessing at this part, but maybe aging parents?).
I have been a very big fan of Dr. Hicks, and I’m disappointed that he’s leaving Hotchkiss after just two years as head (and three years before that as a dean). But I have every confidence that Hotchkiss will find the right person to serve as the next head of school after Dr. Hicks departs thus summer.
I’m not aware of any issue with the school that could have precipitated this departure, and as an active alum and a current parent, I’m pretty sure I would have some sense if there was a bigger issue going on here. From my perspective the school is incredibly healthy in terms of finances, academics, athletics, and innovative projects like the integration of Fairfield Farm into the science curriculum and the award-winning biomass fuel facility, to name just two. I also don’t think that a change in the head of school necessarily has to lead to any turmoil within the school community. First of all, any well-run school functions on a day to day basis largely independently of anything that the head does. Second, I think that a new “regime” often offers a chance for reflection and insight on what’s working well and what could be improved. Certainly that was the way in which Dr. Hicks had approached his tenure as head, and I see no reason why a new head wouldn’t be able to fairly seamlessly pick up that baton and continue moving forward with some of the initiatives begun under Dr. Hicks or even before that.
Well said SoxMom!
As a current Hotchkiss parent as well, I agree that Hotchkiss is in great shape. I imagine that made Dr. Hicks’ decision that much easier. One of the things I liked best about Dr. Hicks was his perspective which values people and quality of life. I suspect that Stevenson offers both a great quality of life for the people in Dr. Hicks’ family and provides a bit more of a challenge for him professionally. Again, Hotchkiss is extremely well established and at Stevenson Dr. Hicks will be just their 4th head.
I am just curious who they will appoint as interim as that may send a signal as to what qualities the search committee will be looking for in a new head.
I wouldn’t be concerned about turmoil at Hotchkiss. It will be fine… What an amazing opportunity for Stevenson! I think this might just be a game changer there!
I have a friend who used to be an employee at Hotchkiss (I won’t say if it is a male/female or what position). This person predicted that the Head of School would be gone before this school year ended. He/She says a lot of changes are needed at Hotchkiss. This resignation he/she said (may/may not be) a positive move. It depends on how the Board sees it and responds to it and if they really want the school to grow and improve. Yes, Hotchkiss has a good reputation, but most parents he/she talked to, after their children had graduated, were relieved it was over. Will be interesting.
This is one parent who is thrilled with the education her child, class of 2014, received at Hotchkiss, and was not at all “relieved” when it was over. Hotchkiss was a transformative and life changing experience for her. I am equally thrilled with the education my current Bearcat, class of 2018, is getting.
I think a lot in life depends on how you look at it. This was an employee - totally different perspective from a parent or student.
You wrote “most parents he/she talked to.” I was responding as a parent.
I know. He/She obviously did not speak with you.
Let me clarify a few points. I like Hotchkiss a lot. In fact, it was one of the schools I insisted my son apply to. In addition to the reputation, it is only 55 minutes from my house. My son only applied to 4 schools and was fortunate to get into all. For him, it came down to Hotchkiss and Phillip Exeter Academy. He chose Exeter. I never once tried to influence him (or even tell him for that matter) what this former employee had told me.
I am only commenting on the Head of School and the bottom line is this - the former employee predicted in mid-November (no less) that he would be gone before the end of the year. He announced his resignation 6 weeks later.
Hotchkiss is a good school with a good reputation but he/she felt that such a move could be a step in the right direction, Depending on how the Board handles it. This Head of School was only there 2 years.
From a former faculty ‘brat’. I lived through the Van Santvoord years. At that time the school had maybe 325 students. Staffing was very minimal. School did not have it’s first truck until 1946, now every staff member has one. I suppose a corporate jet is next. Anyway it’s a major corporation to administer. Probably should have a dual Head, one for education and one for all the other stuff. And maybe a third one to raise money. Academics who can run an organization are like lawnmowers that also blow snow. Doesn’t work real well. For a Head to spend only 5 years, with 2 as Head, the sudden departure looks like a forced exit. Since the Trustees aren’t lauding Dr. Hicks, it seems pretty clear they didn’t think he was up to the job. Just finished the book on Van Santvoord, different slant from the student perspective than from mine, but he did have control of his school, his staff and his trustees.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Closing because this thread will accomplish nothing.