April 20, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting Anthony T. as head of school for the day. It was a great experience for both of us. We began by greeting students and parents at the south entrance of the school, which I shared was my favorite part of my day. He sat in on several meetings with senior administrators, toured the campus, and reviewed architectural drawings of the new Makerspace. He even chose the carpeting for the space! We also inspected the new roof and the solar panels. At one point, he asked me directly, “What exactly does a head of school do?” Good question, Anthony!
It is often difficult to describe my role to others. I sometimes equate it to being a superintendent of a public school district. As chief academic officer, it is my responsibility to stay abreast of emerging research on learning and developing curriculum to meet the needs of students. But being the head of school is different than leading a public school district. For example, it can be a unique challenge to lead a school with three divisions under one roof. The academic, social, emotional needs of students, teachers, and parents are very distinct.
Other times I liken it to being a CEO. My family and friends often tease me that all I do is stand at the front door, read stories to children, and get lots of hugs. All of that is true. However, I remind them that we are also like a medium sized business with an operating budget of nine million dollars and nearly 100 employees. Organizational development, fiscal management, marketing, and human resources are all very important and often take a backstage to the academic operations of the school.
There are times that I am called upon to be like a pastor, responding to the personal, even spiritual, needs of members of the MPA community. I once encountered a staff person in the hallway who I could tell was having a hard time. After giving the person a hug and reassurances that things would work out, the staffer replied, “I can’t believe you took the time to stop.” As I walked away, I thought just the opposite—how could I not?
This position also requires taking stands on important issues that affect the school, our students, or the larger community. Theodore Roosevelt was known to speak of the “Bully Pulpit”—using a position to advocate for an idea or agenda for the greater good. The word “bully” in his time did not mean the same thing as it does today, but rather meant “good” or “superior.” The head of school is charged with advancing the mission of the school and interpreting it as needs or challenges arise.
President Truman once said, “You know, it’s easy for the Monday morning quarterback to say what the coach should have done, after the game is over. But when the decision is up before you—and on my desk I have a motto which says ‘The Buck Stops Here’—the decision has to be made.” There are many decisions that a head of school is called to make—some are minor, some are consequential. I aim for decision-making that is inclusive and collaborative. In the end, however, I need, to the best of my ability, make decisions that are in the best interest of students and the greater good of the school.
The time I spent with Anthony confirmed to me how very fortunate I am to lead this incredible community. It was a good opportunity to reflect on not only what I do, but who I am as a leader—a head of school who is entirely committed to MPA and to your children.
Note: Mr. Anthony took the adorable photo above during his time with our Office of Communications and Marketing. Ms. P.’s kindergartners came dressed as the fractions they are studying in math.
