Head of School Search
Candidate Bios & Surveys
Candidate #1 - Visiting January 7 - 9
Candidate #2 - Visiting January 14 - 16
Candidate #3 - Visiting January 20 - 22
Candidate #3 Bio - Candidate bio will be available 48 hours prior to their visit
Candidate #3 Survey - Candidate surveys will be available 48 hours ahead of their visits until 24 hours following their visits
Leadership Transition
On March 31, 2025, Head of School Dr. David Armistead, resigned to pursue other challenges and to spend more time with his family. Dr. Armistead served as Head of School since 2021 and dedicated 19 years of service to John Bapst in a variety of leadership roles. The Board of Trustees is grateful for his commitment to the school over many years. Current school leadership guided the school through the remainder of the academic year.
Search Process
The Board of Trustees has engaged Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), a nationally recognized and respected educational search and consulting firm, to assist in recruiting the next Head of School. CS&A is partnering closely with a Board of Trustees - appointed Search Committee to guide this important process. The search will include broad input from the John Bapst community, with regular updates shared here and to the school community to ensure transparency and engagement.
Search Committee
The Search Committee represents a cross-section of John Bapst’s leadership and school community. The group includes trustees, faculty, and staff to ensure broad perspectives and representation.
The Board Chair appointed members to the Search Committee using a set of guiding principles adopted by the Board of Trustees. These principles prioritized both Trustee and staff representation while ensuring the committee was the right size to work efficiently. The Board Chair serves as an ex officio member to maintain close alignment with the full Board.
Committee Members:
- James Strout ’02 – Board of Trustees, Finance Chair; Search Committee Chair
- Paul Messer ’94 – Board of Trustees, Secretary
- Anthony Pellegrini, Esq. – Board of Trustees
- Samantha Mahar – Fine Arts Department Chair
- Yue Louisa Deng – Director of International Program and Recruitment
- Dan LaMontagne – Board of Trustees, Board Chair (ex officio)
The Search Committee is working in close partnership with CS&A to run a thoughtful and transparent process that reflects John Bapst’s mission and values.
About Carney, Sandoe & Associates
CS&A is a nationally recognized firm specializing in independent school leadership searches. With a strong track record of successful placements, they bring deep expertise in independent school leadership and are committed to supporting John Bapst in identifying an outstanding next Head of School. See here for more information: Carney Sandoe | Expert Faculty & Leadership
Placement Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the search?
The search is being guided by the Board-appointed Search Committee, working in partnership with CS&A.
What is the timeline?
The search will take place during the 2025–2026 academic year, with the next Head of School
expected to begin service on July 1, 2026.
How will the community be involved?
Faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and students will be invited to participate in listening sessions,
surveys, and other opportunities to share input during the search process.
Where can I find updates?
This page will serve as the central hub for updates, archived communications, and
announcements throughout the search.