Dear Parents:

As we near the end of another school year, we not only prepare to say goodbye to our graduating seniors but to faculty who are leaving as well.  Our sadness over seeing seniors leave is tempered by the knowledge that their leaving is part of a natural progression toward adulthood; however, when faculty leave it is not the culmination of a natural progression and we have no foreknowledge that they will be leaving at year’s end. And unlike seniors, whose path has led to Commencement, we hope faculty will remain with us for a long, long time. This is what makes it so hard when we “lose” faculty.

At the year’s end seven faculty will leave Cary Academy (8% attrition). Their names and reasons for their departure follow at the end of this letter. While 8% betters the 10% average for independent day schools around the country, I wish fewer faculty were leaving. Every teacher on this list has made a substantial contribution to our school as well as developed strong relationships with students and staff. And within that statement lies part of our challenge.

When we hire extremely well qualified, dynamic, outstanding educators, some will aspire to goals that cannot be accomplished within their tenure at Cary Academy. Either our leadership positions turnover too slowly for their career path or they desire challenges provided by a different school in a different location. There is no doubt that we are a much more mobile culture than when you and I began our working careers and this fact leads to additional turnover.   Data shows that Americans will have changed jobs nine times and moved to nine different geographic locations in the span of their career.

 In closing, while  it is disappointing to have teachers leave Cary Academy, I am thankful for  their many contributions to our program, and the vibrant educational experiences they provided our students.  As we look forward to the 2008-09 academic year,  I am eagerly anticipating the new interests, excitement and enthusiasm that our incoming faculty will bring to our school.  I hope your family has a great finish to what has been an excellent school year!

Sincerely,

Donald S. Berger
Head of School

Caroline Blatti (US English): relocation due to husband’s employment at the University of Memphis

Andrew Currier (US Math): relocation due to wife’s employment in Maine

Bridget Harron (Media Specialist): pursue professional interests in film

Candice Johnson (MS English): career change to become “stay-at-home mom”

Jeff Killmer (US Math): return to school in Japan from which he came to Cary Academy

Shelton Shepherd (Dean of Students): accepted position as the Dean of Students at The Bay School in
San Francisco

Katrin Vince (US German): relocation due to husband’s military assignment in Japan