Letter from Ian

May 2015

Dear Vic,

 

I always tell my boys that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life, and that has absolutely been true of my tenure at Harding these past nine years.

 

As next year marks year ten for us at the school, and also a time when both of our boys will be transitioning to high school and college, I am writing to let you know that I have made the thoughtful decision to make the 2015–16 school year my last at Harding Academy.

 

While this is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made, I do so knowing that it’s the right time for our family and that the school is perfectly positioned for the transition, just having completed the Strategic Plan to set the course for the immediate future of the school.

 

The past nine years have been exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding, both as head of school and as a parent. I would be remiss if I did not particularly acknowledge my wife, Holly, for her dedication, wise counsel, and ever-present support.

 

The end of my tenure at Harding is an opportunity for us to celebrate all that we have accomplished as a school. From the successful campaign that allowed for the construction of the Reames Family Field House, Sohr Family Track and Field, middle school, Kever Park, expansion of the Henderson Theater, and Pursuit addition, as well as the enhancements in technology, we have grown significantly. I am also proud of our success in admissions, our reduction in attrition, and the hiring of stand-out teachers and administrators. We have certainly come a long way.

 

As I plan for my departure in June 2016, I will carry some incredible memories with me. I give thanks to our remarkable students and parents, our dedicated Board of Trustees members, and the best faculty and staff that anyone could be privileged to work with, all of whom I can count as friends as well as colleagues.

 

Nevertheless, there is still much work to do as we follow up on the guiding principles as outlined in the Strategic Plan, and ensure that the 2015–16 school year is the best yet for all of our families.

 

Harding is in a strong position and is poised to welcome new leadership. I look forward to pursuing my last school year with the same energy and enthusiasm with which I have approached the last nine.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Ian L. Craig

Head of School