Dear Members of the Paideia Community,
By now, you have all received Paul's letter about his retirement on June 30, 2023. As Paul's letter indicated, he provided me advance notice of his intentions, and the board is subsequently prepared and ready to take the next steps in the process. As chair of the board of trustees, I want to share with the community the plans moving forward. This is a major transition for Paideia, something the school has never had to do.
Before going into those plans, on behalf of the entire Paideia community, I want to thank and celebrate Paul and Barbara for creating a school that has had such a positive impact on so many lives. It is not an exaggeration to say that Paideia School is their legacy cultivated over 50 extraordinary years. From that first day where he had a goal of creating a school that unlocks every individual student's capabilities, Paul has sparked an academic transformation by creating an institution of discovery, academic enlightenment, and personal growth for all that have been a part of this supportive and nurturing community. His leadership has touched so many people, and our gratitude for everything he has put into Paideia is profound. Paideia's reach is larger than our immediate community. It is a school that students take with them well into their future years. For this, more than anyone, we have Paul to thank.
Paul's leadership has extended to all parts of the school. It is likely that his tenure and positive impact of five decades is unmatched in the education community nationwide. From the first days before the school opened to the present, his intellect, hard work, optimism and humor have been the cultural beacon of Paideia. Paul has taken Paideia from a small elementary and junior high school to a pre-elementary through high school of national prominence. He would be the first to say that the essential variable of a good school is the talent of its teachers. Because of the culture of the school, Paideia has always been able to attract unusually-gifted talent and to support that talent in the classroom. All of us, my children and yours and alums spanning 50 years, have benefited from this priority.
While successfully navigating Paideia over many decades with student development and well-being at the center his focus, Paul himself has made an extraordinary impact as a teacher and advisor to so many students. His classrooms are vibrant with discussions, debate and discovery, and his dry sense of humor captivates his classroom and creates a participatory and fun learning environment. He is as gifted as a teacher as he is a consequential and respected head of school.
The Paideia community has also been rewarded from Barbara's tireless dedication. Barbara's expertise started in the Half Day program as a teacher and then for the remaining years as coordinator of the Half Day. She has educated generations of teachers, families and students in understanding the importance of individualized development and growth for all children. She has always preferred to stay in the backstage of school life, but her lasting impact runs deep for so many children.
Paideia looks different now in 2022, but at heart it is the same school and spirit that began in 1971. From its humble beginnings with one building on South Ponce de Leon Avenue, Paul's strategic vision and fiscal prudence has enabled the school to expand its reach and create a campus that is welcoming and engaging for faculty, staff and students. Through the growth of the school and its physical presence, Paul's leadership has always adhered to the philosophy that students have different learning styles and interests, and the investments he has led were always in support of this principle. As head of school, Paul has been in the unique position to define Paideia, but all of us to different degrees sustain it and continue to build it.
Nothing is more important to him and to Barbara than for the spirit of Paideia to continue to thrive.
To ensure the board was prepared and in serving its fiduciary responsibilities, the board had previously created a succession planning committee to consider the issues that the school would face when Paul retired. The succession planning committee recently proposed procedures and a format to the board regarding the new head of school search, which the board unanimously approved. At that time, the board was not aware of Paul's timetable. As board chairman, it is now my responsibility to initiate the process.
I have asked Melba Hughes to chair the search committee for the new head of school. Melba is an alumni parent and a former member of the board of trustees. Melba is a partner at a prominent legal search firm in Atlanta and has extensive experience in C-suite executive searches, as well as in the not-for-profit space. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melba over the past few years, and her executive leadership, judgement and thoughtfulness make her an exceptional person to lead this very important process.
The search committee made up of faculty, staff, board members and Paideia community leaders will consist of 11 members. This committee will be comprised of:
- Melba Hughes: chair of the search committee, former trustee, alumni parent, Executive Director and National Diversity Practice Leader – Major, Lindsey & Africa
- Wayne Aaron: chair of the board of trustees, current parent, retired Senior Vice President – Delta Air Lines
- Tiffany Cochran Edwards: board of trustees, current parent, National Brand Manager – The Cochran Firm
- Patricia Friedman: board of trustees, alumni parent, Shareholder – Djuric Spratt
- Elisa Harrison: current parent, Elementary Principal – The Paideia School
- Tony Helms: Junior High Home Base Teacher – The Paideia School
- Laura Magnanini: current parent, Assistant Head of School / High School Director of Studies – The Paideia School
- Ade Patton: board of trustees, current parent, Executive Vice President and CFO – HBO Max/WarnerMedia
- Wendell Reilly: board of trustees, alumni parent, retired CFO and Investor
- Thad Sheely: board of trustees, current parent, CEO – Harmonia Development
- Brian Smith: current parent, High School Science Teacher / Department Chair – The Paideia School
The committee will hire a search firm to work with them and the board of trustees on a national or even international search. While it is important for the committee to maintain confidentiality, the search process will be as open and inclusive as possible, and the committee will report back to the wider Paideia community on a regular basis. The committee will begin their work immediately, and the final selection will be based on a vote of the board of trustees. The goal is to hire the new head of school before the end of 2022.
Our school has greatly benefited from Paul's vision and exceptional leadership. He has created a strong foundation for our community to embark on both an important and exciting time as we plan for the next chapter of this great school. Over the next 18 months there will be time to celebrate and thank both Paul and Barbara and to plan for the ways to welcome our next head of school.
Our future is strong, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of us. Thank you for all you do to support Paideia.
Wayne Aaron
Chair, Board of Trustees