Head of School Search
The search for St. Mary’s Episcopal School’s next Head of School is underway. The Board of Directors hired The Education Group (TEG), a nationally recognized search firm, to guide and advise us during this process and to assist us in identifying both interim and permanent Head of School candidates who align with our values, mission, commitment to academic excellence and Episcopal Identity.
Over the past several months, our consultants at TEG have worked closely with the HOS Search Committee to recruit an Interim Head of School. The Board is extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Rob Kelley, and his wife, Ann, to the SMES family for the 2023-2024 school year. Rob and Ann made their first visit to Edmond and SMES in late May. They both remain very excited about this opportunity. His official start date was July 1st.
Search Timeline
February 2023
Official launch of search for both an interim and permanent Head of school. TEG consultants gathered online and in-person input from Board members, faculty, staff, and parents and incorporated it into a personalized, comprehensive Head of School Search profile, the key promotional tool used to generate interest in this opportunity and to inform prospective candidates.
March - April 2023
Interim Candidate cultivation and screening by TEG and Search Committee.
May 2023
Board selection and announcement of Mr. Rob Kelley as Interim Head of School.
Summer - Fall 2023
TEG continues candidate development and completes HOS candidate screening.
Fall 2023
Search Committee selects and interviews semifinalists.
Fall-Winter 2023-2024
Finalists’ campus visits and interviews.
Spring 2024
Selection and announcement of Head of School.
Transition process for new Head of School begins.
Finalist Visits
During the finalist visits, faculty, parents, and administrators will have the opportunity to speak with each finalist. Following each visit, those who participated will have the opportunity to complete a feedback survey. The search committee will incorporate this information in its discernment and recommendation to the Board.
Search Committee
The Board of Directors appointed a Head of School Search Committee in February 2023. The responsibility of the Search Committee is to meet regularly with our recruitment consultants, interview semifinalists, choose and present finalists, coordinate finalist visits to campus, and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors. As the search progresses, the Search Committee will periodically post updates to this website.
Search Committee Members
- Amy Costner-Lark, Search Committee Chair, Board Vice President, and Parent Board member
- Deb Bryant, Search Committee Co-Chair and Past Board President
- Merri Barden, Parent Board member and Treasurer
- Jackie Shields, Board member and Senior Warden at St. Mary’s Church
- Fr. Mark Story, Rector
- Ashley Weedn, Board President