The Optimal Timeline
for a Head of School Search
Your school is ready for new leadership. Your Head of School is announcing their retirement or the Board has determined it’s time for a new leader.
The best time to hire Metro Consulting Services (MCS) is is winter/early spring (16-18 months prior to school year). The contract is finalized, we come to visit the school and observe classroom environments and get to know the vision of leadership with as many stakeholders as possible. The consultants see the school at its best, and are able to market the school to potential candidates with a high level of confidence.
With assistance from Metro, a HOS search committee is established to oversee the process with search committee members representing school constituencies: Generally, Board, administration, parents, and faculty/staff (hopefully one faculty representative at each age level). By early summer, the Opportunity Statement (a school profile and job description) is released nationally and Metro goes into full swing recruiting potential candidates.
The fall is filled with Metro vetting applications and presentation of semi-finalists to the search committee. By October/November, the finalists are visiting the school and the search committee recommends a candidate to the Board. A contract is negotiated for a start date of the following summer and transition begins. The departing HOS is celebrated for their contributions and the new HOS is welcomed into the community. Metro or the former HOS can provide mentoring in the first year of the new HOS’s employment which can be invaluable in the candidate’s success.
This is the optimal timeline and process:
Commence search during the Winter/Early Spring and hire to begin in the summer.
Claim Your Free Consultation
Metro Consulting Services offers a free initial consultation. We will listen carefully to where your school is, what you are navigating, and whether we are the right partner for this moment.
There is no obligation. Just a conversation with people who have been in your shoes — and know how to help.