Park begins search for new head of school

Grace

Don Grace has decided to make the 2007-08 school year his last year as head of school at The Park School of Buffalo.

Grace cited family health concerns as the reason for his decision to relocate to the New England area at the completion of this academic year. He is currently a resident of Williamsville.

"It is with much sadness that I make this decision," Grace said. "I have enjoyed working at Park School immensely and will miss it and the Buffalo community tremendously."

He added that he is excited about the prospects for

Park's continued development in 2007-08 and beyond, particularly in fundraising, campus renovations, outreach, enrollment and a new master plan for the campus.

"I was very disappointed to hear Don's decision," said P. Jeffrey Birtch, president of the Board of Trustees. "Because of Don's leadership, the Park School has accomplished much over his three-year tenure."

His accomplishments include approving a strategic plan with a revised mission statement, finishing a $2.2 million capital campaign, building a new dining hall and a new classroom-size greenhouse, documenting the curriculum and highlighting project-based education at Park, and significantly increasing the school's marketing efforts.

Birtch said the entire Park community is saddened by the news but recognizes Grace's need to put family first and wishes him and his wife, Catherine, the best for the future.

A search committee has been formed for the next head of school and is chaired by Lawrence Schreiber, who will seek candidates nationally. Schreiber is a past Park parent and has been a member of the Park board since 2002.