I first met Keith Castello when I was the Head of School at Regents School of Austin. He had only recently begun his career as Headmaster at CCA. We worked together in those early years to build the Texas Consortium of Classical Christian Schools from a handful of schools to many more (something like 70 schools today).After I began consulting with Christian schools full-time, it was my pleasure to be invited to help Mr. Castello and the CCA Board establish a framework for collective leadership and a sustainable financial future.  Now it is my distinct honor to succeed my friend and colleague for the next year as the interim Headmaster. Mr. Castello and his family will remain in the CCA community. He has volunteered his counsel as I lead, and  this is a tremendous advantage for me, the staff, and CCA.

I have consulted with Christian schools since 2006.  I have worked with school communities on strategic and financial plans, and assisted headmasters and boards as they seek to serve their schools more effectively while providing transitional leadership.

So, what does an interim Headmaster do?

My goal is to provide active, executive leadership that strengthens the bonds between each stakeholder group within a school community, especially crucial during a period of seeking, anticipation, and uncertainty. A transition from a longstanding headmaster to his successor can be stressful and disorienting. The instinct of some during a year of transition is to stand still, to “tread water,” if you will.

My job as interim is to set achievable goals in collaboration with the board and staff for next year, and to provide the resources for teachers, administrators, students, and parents to continue “swimming” forward in their respective lanes.

My overall task is strategic, designed to prepare the CCA family to receive its next headmaster, but the activity is personal. You will see me at sports and arts events. You will hear from me (like this) on a regular basis. You will be invited to join me for conversations about CCA’s future, the value of classical Christian education, and CCA’s place in the DFW educational landscape.

Teachers will see me in their classrooms, students in the hallways, athletes on the fields and courts, and parent volunteers in meetings about CCA’s various community events.

I will meet with the administrative team at least twice monthly, and we will make both plans and decisions together to facilitate growth. I will maintain regular contact with the CCA Board leadership and attend board meetings. And I will assist JobFit Matters, the search firm responsible to recruit candidates for CCA’s next permanent headmaster.

While I realize I am not an adequate replacement for Mr. Castello and his deep rootedness in this community, I will serve by God’s grace with the energy and commitment that CCA’s mission and families deserve.

I look forward to meeting you through the year and learning to love this place as you do.