February 25, 2011
Dear ,
By now you know that Sandy Emerson has announced her retirement as Director. Under Sandy's inspired leadership, Good Shepherd Day School has more than doubled in enrollment and has become Lexington's finest early childhood educational program. The parish, parents, staff, and children are going to miss her.
Marian Willard has also announced that she will be leaving at the end of the school year to celebrate her daughter's wedding and spend more time with her family. The loss of both of these dynamic school leaders leaves us with a heavy heart, but we wish both of them the very best as they transition into a new phase of their lives.
On Wednesday, the board of directors met to begin the process of transition. We have appointed a team, which we believe is representative of the diversity of our constituency, to guide that process and find a new Director. The members of the team are:
· Pam Brown - Good Shepherd parishioner, board chair, educator
· Barbara Groves - Good Shepherd parishioner, board member, educator, former staff
· Jennifer Wilson - Good Shepherd parishioner, board member, parent, physician
· Whitney Durham - parent of 3 GSDS children, realtor
· Jennifer Palumbo - parent of 2 GSDS children, tv news anchor
· Michelle Coates - parent of 3 GSDA children, former GSDS staff member, business owner
· Debbie Lutz - longstanding GSDS staff (3-year olds)
· Laura Sikora - longstanding GSDS staff (4-year olds)
· Hans Flueck - Good Shepherd parishioner, parent of 2 GSDS children
· Ron Pogue - Good Shepherd Interim Rector
The board's charge to this search committee is strongly influenced by four key factors:
· Sandy has been with us for fifteen years.
· Her retirement becomes effective in only four months.
· The parish is in a time of transition between rectors.
· The process of finding a new Director should not be rushed.
After consultation with the National Association of Episcopal Schools and considerable deliberation, we believe our school will be best served by engaging an Interim Director to oversee the school as the search committee guides the process step by step, reviewing core values, listening to input, developing a profile, and searching for a permanent Director who will lead Good Shepherd Day School into the next era of its work of serving young children.
Board member, Joy Beth Dawahare, is forming a Celebration Committee. This committee of parents and teachers will work with the Board to make plans for honoring and celebrating Sandy and Marian. They will appreciate your contributions to help thank Sandy and Marian.
Both committees will meet soon to begin their tasks. We will develop ways for them to keep you informed as they go about their work and as further details become available. Please share your thoughts with them, offer your support, and hold them in your prayers. We are grateful for their willingness to serve!
We also invite you to communicate with either of us or any of the members of the board of directors at any time.
Very Sincerely,
 
Pam Brown Ronald D. Pogue
Board Chair Interim Rector
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