Head of School Search Update

1/14/26 Letter

Dear Clayton-Bradley Academy Families,

As many in our community are aware, Pat Bradley has recently announced her retirement from Clayton-Bradley Academy, effective at the end of the current school year.  Pat has provided steady, thoughtful, and deeply mission-aligned leadership at CBA since its founding in 2013. Her care for our students, faculty, and families—and her unwavering commitment to the values that define CBA—have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the life of the school. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, vision, and the strength of community she has helped cultivate.

With an eye toward the future, the Board of Trustees of Innovative Education Partnership (IEP, the non-profit behind CBA) has established a Head of School Search Committee, chaired by Don Bruce, to guide Clayton-Bradley Academy through this important next chapter. Since its formation, the committee has approached this work with great care, energy, and a deep sense of responsibility to the school and its community.

Search Committee Members:

  • Don Bruce, IEP Board Chair and Search Committee Chair
  • Mary Bogert, IEP Board Vice Chair
  • Heather McNeal, IEP Secretary/Treasurer
  • Ross Bradley, IEP Trustee
  • Linda Jordan, IEP Trustee
  • Donna Thomas, IEP Trustee
  • Scott Hussey, CBA Teacher
  • Niki Schrock, Clayton Homes Senior Vice President
  • Kevin Clayton, Clayton Homes President and CEO (ex officio)

After interviewing several nationally recognized educational search firms, the committee selected The Education Group (TEG) to partner with Clayton-Bradley Academy in this search for our next Head of School. We were impressed by TEG’s understanding of independent schools, their strong regional knowledge, and their experience supporting successful Head of School searches. Margaret Moore and Bob Veto will work closely with the Search Committee to guide the process of identifying Clayton-Bradley Academy’s next Head of School.

This process represents a significant investment of time, thought, and care by the Search Committee, and we are deeply appreciative of their willingness to serve Clayton-Bradley Academy in this way. As we move forward from the leadership of our founding Head, we recognize that this is both a meaningful transition and an important moment of reflection for the school. Founding leaders shape culture, establish traditions, and set the tone for what a school becomes; honoring that legacy while also preparing for what comes next requires intention and care. The committee is committed to listening closely to the voices of our community and ensuring that this search reflects who we are, what we value, and where we hope to go together.

In the coming months, our consultants Margaret and Bob will spend time getting to know Clayton-Bradley Academy and our community. This will include on-campus visits, as well as opportunities for virtual conversations, with faculty, staff, administrators, parents, students, and alumni. 

Their initial visit will take place January 20-22.  While many of the details of this visit are still being finalized, Margaret and Bob look forward to meeting with parents and family members immediately following family gathering on January 21 in the family center, and to meeting with teachers and staff on January 21 and 22. We will be in touch soon with additional information regarding these opportunities.

Around the time of their visit, the Search Committee will distribute a confidential community survey. Feedback from the survey and the campus conversations will inform the development of a comprehensive position profile that reflects the qualities, experiences, and leadership style our community values most.

Throughout the search, the committee will provide periodic updates to the community via the Head of School Search webpage. Community members are also welcome to share candidate suggestions or insights directly with the consultants (margaret@educationgroup.com and bveto@educationgroup.com).  

We look forward to engaging the full Clayton-Bradley Academy community as we honor our strong leadership legacy and take this next step forward—together.

 

Sincerely,

Don Bruce

IEP Board Chair and Search Committee Chair