Dear Members of the SSIS School Community –
As you are aware, our school has been fortunate this year to welcome Mr. John Kruk as our Interim High School Principal. Mr. Kruk has already become a familiar and trusted face in the hallways and classrooms of “C” building, working with students and faculty alike for the continued improvement of our school.
At the same time, we have been engaged in a worldwide search for our next high school principal. A committee of high school teachers and administrators and I have reviewed almost forty applications from sitting heads of schools, high school principals, and talented administrative leaders across six continents. Searches such as this one help remind us, again, of the extraordinary fellowship of educators who, like those of us who work at SSIS, have chosen to embrace international education.
We are excited to announce that we have narrow our search to a group of three finalists who will visit SSIS in the two weeks immediately following Fall Break. While we will make separate announcements for each visit, inviting you as parents and students to come, meet, and question the candidates, we would like to share their brief biographies with you here.
Jacob Hendrickson is the current High School principal at American International School of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). He has also served as Assistant Principal at Leota Junior High School (USA) and Inglemoor High School (USA). He began his career as a Middle School and High School social studies teacher in California and Washington (USA). He holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from University of Washington and Bachelor of Arts Degree (political Science) from University of California, San Diego (USA).
Dan Smith is the current Head of School and Dean of Academics at Mosaica International School of Hyderabad (India). He has also served as Director of International Partnerships at Wasatch Academy (USA), Assistant Director of Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center (USA), and Head of School at Meridian School (USA). He holds a Master of Education (Independent School Leadership) and a Master of Arts (Social Studies) from Teachers College, Columbia University (USA) and a Bachelor of Arts (History and Russian) from Brigham Young University (USA).
Garth Wyncoll is currently the High School principal at the American International School of Lagos (Nigeria). He has also served as high school/middle school principal at Brent International School (Philippines) as well as a high school social studies teacher prior to the move to administration. Garth started his education career at the Landon School for Boys in Maryland (USA) where he taught social studies and physical education. He holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from San Francisco University (USA) and a Masters of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University (USA).
As mentioned above, there will be an opportunity for parents and students to meet the candidates during each candidate visit to SSIS. We value your opinions and we hope you will take part in this important search process.
I would also like to add a special word of thanks to Tina Fossgreen who lead our high school principal search committee and to those who served on it: Molly Burger (MS Principal), Jodi Federoff (HS English), Bill Fossgreen (HS Math), Erin Hawkins (HS Guidance), Tad Herrold (HS English), Alison Leathwood (HS PE), Kathy Manuel (HS Student Support), and Robert Mooney (HS History).
Sincerely yours,
Mark Sylte, Head of School
