Mike (Board Co-Chair): Yes, we have planned a number of opportunities for the Board
to talk with families about the search process and our excitement about Patricia Gray
joining our school community.

Pat (Board Co-chair): We know that not all families can make in-person meetings, so
we will be hosting several Zoom meetings. On Sunday evening March 30, at 7:30 p.m. the Trustees will meet with families to talk about the search process. On Thursday,
April 3, at 8 a.m , the new Head of School, Patricia will be joining the Zoom. (We are
also planning an in-person for April 3, details to come).

Mike: There wil be an in-person meeting with several Trustees for those families who
can join us on Monday, March 31, from 8-9 a.m. at the Student Center. We’d love to see you there for refreshments and a chance to say hello. As we mentioned, other meetings being scheduled and we will notify the community as
soon as plans are finalized.

Amanda: Thank you. I know that the entire community is excited about the new Head of
School and will have lots of questions for you!

Pat: A Search Committee comprising members of the Board of Trustees, alumni
parents, and faculty and staff led a comprehensive and rigorous search process to
ensure that we identified the best possible leader for our school. Along with Mike and I
the Search Committee members included past parents and current Trustees Huajun Liu and Emily Venanzi; S. Gail Donahue; interim co-head Stephanie Marcucci; and teachers Julia Hardy and Erin Walsh.

Mike: We knew from the outset that this process would take time, but in the end taking
the time to be thorough was important to the Board. We were particularly informed by
the parent/faculty survey, which described priorities including, enhancing academic excellence; supporting teacher recruiting and retention; and reinforcing the values of the
CSJ in Catholic education. The process included:

• Engaging a well-regarded search firm specializing in independent and faith-
  based schools.
• Conducting a written survey to ascertain the community’s priorities.
• Forming a search committee comprised of board members, educators, and
  school community representatives.
• Evaluating a diverse pool of candidates through multiple interview rounds, school
  visits, and feedback collection.

The Search Committee weighed the feedback carefully, and in the end recommended Patricia unanimously to the Board. We were delighted that she has
accepted the challenge and privilege of leading Jackson Walnut Park. She brings deep
experience in faith-based education, a commitment to academic excellence, and a
strong ability to build and nurture school communities.

Pat: We were fortunate to meet several outstanding candidates, but when we reflected
on the priorities shared by our community, we knew we needed a leader with a unique
combination of experience—someone well-versed in Montessori, elementary education, Catholic values, and the independent school setting. Patricia was the only candidate
who met all these criteria. More importantly, we saw in her not just a problem-solver, but
a leader who has successfully navigated many of the same challenges we face at JWP,
bringing both a collaborative style and focused on results.

Mike: We felt that Patricia compared most favorably, specifically:

• Carrying the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph: Patricia’s leadership has
  fostered a vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven school culture, strengthening the
  connection between education and faith.
• Montessori & elementary education innovation and achievement – Her experience integrating early childhood Montessori education with rigorous
  elementary academics aligns perfectly with Jackson Walnut Park’s structure.

Pat: We heard JWP parents and faculty express a strong desire to reinvigorate the
curriculum with a focus on experiential, cross-disciplinary, and project-based
learning—enhancing science, math, and reading while deepening our commitment to
STEAM, foreign languages, and social-emotional development.

In Patricia, we saw a leader who not only shares this vision but has successfully brought
it to life. As head of the PreK-8 campus at Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City,
she grew enrollment and led the school to national recognition. Just as importantly, she is eager to collaborate with parents, faculty, and staff to shape JWP’s future together.

Mike: Patricia will officially join us in July as Mike said earlier she will be attending our
Annual Spring Gala on April 4th. We encourage all parents to come meet and welcome
her at this special event!

Mike: Patricia is already in communication with our current leadership team to ensure a
smooth and seamless transition.

Pat: the key steps include:

• As we noted, meet-and-greet events with parents and faculty when she is in town for the Gala are being planned
• Strategic planning sessions to ensure continuity in academic and school culture.
• Open channels for feedback so that parents and staff can engage in the process.

Mike: Patricia will chart her own course, but she has been clear that she wants to hear
from our community. Her immediate focus will be on:

• Building strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Maintaining and enhancing academic excellence, with a focus on innovation and
  experiential learning and staff professional development.
• Preserving and strengthening the school’s mission, ensuring that faith and the
  mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph remain at the heart of our education.

Pat: We welcome open communication and encourage parents to:

• Please come to the Gala and meet Patricia
• Attend other meet-and-greet opportunities as they are scheduled – these will be
  both in-person and virtual – look for dates/times to be emailed shortly.
• Share feedback and questions with school leadership and the Board
• Stay engaged in the exciting work ahead as we embark on this new chapter together!

Mike: We are filled with hope and optimism, just like the Sisters of St. Joseph, whose
deep commitment to JWP and our journey to find the next Head of School has been
unwavering. Like Patricia, we understand that meaningful and challenging work lies
ahead, but we embrace it with faith, determination, and a shared dedication to our
school’s bright future.

Pat: Both the Board and the Sisters of St. Joseph have unwavering confidence in her
leadership. Her collaborative spirit and thoughtful approach to decision-making will
infuse our beloved school with fresh energy and momentum. With so much opportunity
on the horizon, we are excited for all that’s to come—the future is truly bright!