A few short months ago, it was announced to our community that we were launching a search for a full-time Head of School. The Head of School position is the glue that holds our school together by overseeing all of our departments and programs and moving our school forward in line with our mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The Head of School also is the connecting bridge between the school and the School Board. This is no small job and the School Board, through the process below, set out to prayerfully and diligently search for the next person that God had chosen for this position.
First, the School Board voted to form a Head of School search task force, which was made up of two school board members and two faculty members. This task force reviewed the original candidate submissions of resumes, testimonies, videos, and applications. The task force then selected four candidates to move forward and conducted first round interviews with each. Two of these candidates moved on to participate in a 2nd round interview with an expanded interview team, which was composed of 7 people from 6 different churches representing various backgrounds and all levels of our school’s programs. After thorough interview and discussion, the expanded interview team presented a candidate to the School Board for a final interview, approval and hiring. I am so thankful for the hard work, wisdom, and sacrifice of time from each member of the task force and interview team.
Without further ado, I would like to introduce the next Head of School for WCS,
Carlye Hay.
Carlye holds a Master of Science in Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Educational Leadership. She has experience in a multitude of areas including principal, teacher, Supplemental Education Services (SES) coordinator, instructional coach, and more. Most importantly, Carlye is a strong follower of Jesus, loves Christian education, and aligns with Westminster’s mission and values. Carlye’s poise, wisdom, experience, work ethic, and love for students and teachers was evident throughout all interviews and affirmed by her references. Carlye is the wife of Don Hay, Christ Community Church Huntley campus pastor, and she and Don have 4 children.
This is such an exciting time in our school’s history and I look forward to how Carlye will lead the school into the next phase of building faith-rooted and life-ready students!
Although Carlye won’t officially start her Head of School duties until this summer, you will probably see her on campus in the coming weeks as she will be helping with our planning for the 2023/2024 school year. Please introduce yourself and make her feel welcome! Keep an eye out for news and details for a community opportunity to meet Carlye and for more information on next year’s leadership plan and structure as we seek what is best for our students, families, and school!
Last thing, as a new chapter begins, another must end. At the close of this school year, Deb Hoon will be rolling off as our interim Head of School. Deb has worked persistently and tirelessly behind the scenes, while also working her full time job, to ensure that our school continued to operate smoothly while in a time of transition. Her leadership during Covid and beyond allowed our school to remain open, to grow, and to become financially stable. She was instrumental in helping facilitate our school’s separation from Westminster Presbyterian Church which now allows us to thrive as an independent organization. Her calm presence and open door allowed staff, faculty, parents, and students to come to her without hesitation. Deb and her family have been a part of Westminster Christian School for 17 years and I don’t think anyone can match her love, sacrifice, or dedication to the school and all it stands for. Deb will finish out this school year to help make a smooth transition for Carlye, and after that you can find her in her favorite role, as a parent. 🙂
Thank you all who have been praying for this process, it was amazing to see how God worked in and through each step. Please continue to pray for our school, the leadership, and that we will follow God’s plan and will for this next chapter.
