Passing along in case anyone didn’t see who might be interested that SPS old HOS is the newly announced HOS for Kent.
https://www.kent-school.edu/sites/default/files/New%20Head%20of%20School%2010-20-2019.pdf
Impressive guy!
We loved Mr. Hirschfeld and his family. Kent is lucky to have them!
WOW! That is interesting - thanks for sharing…hmmm…hoping to see more on Kent in the coming months.
Question…wasn’t Hirschfeld’s tenure as Rector of SPS on the short side, all things considered?
A really great move by the Kent School !
Mr. Hirschfeld was loved & respected at St. Paul’s School as was his entire family.
It’s an interesting selection. From people I know, I have heard nothing but great things about Mr. Hirschfeld and their interactions/experiences with him.
However, at the same time, my understanding is that he served as Rector at St Paul’s during a period that had a lot of turmoil for the school and questions about how the school leadership (board and administration) handled it, ultimately resulting in the school having to accept a NH state overseer that doesn’t report to the school.
So seems like a bold, independent, and a bit surprising selection. Might be great, I don’t have a view and don’t have the necessary insight for a view. However I’m generally a fan of going against the grain and making controversial decisions if you think they’re right.
He was a HOS for 8 years
Why did he leave SPS?
I’d say there is no universal stance on his tenure. Some people loved him, but by no means everyone. He’d still be at SPS if everyone thought things were rosy. There are things I’d praise him for but I also have things I could criticize about his tenure and leadership. However, I’ll just wish him and his wife best of luck and a good career at Kent. They are good people with good intentions and hearts.
ETA: I would NOT want a head of school job, for various reasons, despite the fact that they can be well paid.
7 actually. 2011-2018.
From what I have read, so take with grain of salt…He left in a sudden resignation a year earlier than originally announced (if I am to believe google.) It wasn’t quite clear what went on, but I am glad to hear those in the know are saying he was a solid leader. I know nothing beyond the internet on this, but it seems he resigned suddenly and then moved abroad for a year. (Again, not personal insight.) I am hoping for great things for Kent!
I believe he had a personal reason for resigning, nothing to do with his job performance.
It didn’t sound related to performance. The resignation letter is easy to find online.
https://www.concordmonitor.com/St-Paul-s-School-Rector-leaving-early-17656965
There’s a lot between the lines.
He is fortunate to be heading to Kent - such a beautiful school with wonderful support from families, the local community & students. Likewise, Kent is fortunate to have someone with his experience to lead the school. Hoping the school continues to host Kent Speaks in the summer!
His background should have been investigated in a thorough manner by the search firm hired by the Kent School.
Of course it was. The man clearly wants privacy over why he left. Again, it was a purely personal issue, having nothing whatsoever to do with his job performance.
Maybe he just grew weary of dealing with the ongoing issues & wanted a change of scenery.
If I recall correctly, at the time of his resignation both of his kids were off to college (Bowdoin College & Brown University).
And I am sure that it was. The vetting was almost certainly more thorough (and more factual) than the less-than-nuanced speculation bandied about here.