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Head of School Search

We plan to appoint a new Head of School with a start date of July 1, 2027. Over the coming months, as the Search Committee and Steering Representatives carry out their work to identify VVS's next Head of School, we invite you to revisit this page for ongoing updates.

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Key Updates on the VVS Leadership Transition

The Position Statement for the next Head of Verde Valley School outlines the Leadership Philosophies and Expectations, Key Responsibilities and Strategic Priorities and Challenges we envision the next Head of School will embody.

Position Statement

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The Board of Trustees and the Search Committee are fully committed to selecting a new Head of School who will continue to lead VVS with the excellence, care, and vision that our community deserves. A Steering Committee has been appointed to counsel and advise The Search Committee, comprised of members of the Alumni, Community, Faculty & Staff, Parents and Student Body. This team will participate in reviewing candidates and be involved with interviews and the ongoing search process, providing input from their constituencies that reflect the guiding principles of our school.

Committee Members

SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Amber Davies-Sloan ‘99
Rachel Reed Dushoff ‘79
Abani Heller P ’24, ‘26
Don Groves

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Alumni - Sarah Huffman ’97
Faculty - Jeff Perkins ’72
Staff - Vanessa Trujillo-TenBrink
Community - Marty Robles
Parent - Guadalupe Pollock ’92 & P ’29
Student Body - TBA

Mission Statement

Verde Valley School educates students for college and for life by encouraging them to become intellectually curious, academically accomplished, and creatively expressive. The program promotes intercultural understanding and world citizenship, environmental stewardship, the value of physical labor, and service to humanity with a willing spirit.

Vision

Since 1948, VVS has been committed to changing the world by forging global citizens through experiential education-awakening independent thinkers, conscious leaders, and compassionate learners. Rooted in Sedona’s transformative landscape, our community nurtures discovery, intercultural connection, and a deep understanding of self, others, and the world.

Fast Facts

List of 8 items.

1948

Established
9-12

Grades
140

Acres
21

Faculty
86% with Advanced Degrees
116

Total Enrollment
58

Boarding Students
48

Day Students
37

Size of Senior Class
11 pursuing the IB Diploma
26 pursuing the IB Certificate

HOS Search Updates

July 2025		Head of School Search Committee formed
August 2025		Job Position created and approved by the Board
September 2025		Advisory Steering Committee formed

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HOS Search FAQ

What are the roles of the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees in the process?
The Board is responsible for hiring the Head of School. The Search Committee is actively engaged in the process from the start and invest considerable time in getting to know the candidates. In each stage of the search the Board committee will consult with the Steering Committee to recommend candidates who will move thru the Interview process and on to campus visits before a final candidate is recommended for hire.

Do parents, faculty, and community members have any involvement in the process?
The Steering Committee is advisory to the Search Committee and the Board is actively engaged with the groups that they represent. There will be chances for occasional outside involvement in the process as we develop times for online interviews where members of the community can listen in and potentially ask questions.

When will the new Head of School be named?
The timing of the search depends on several factors including the candidates’ availability to visit. We expect on-site interviews to take place in April/May 2026, with no more than three candidates. The board hopes to make a decision by June. Our tentative start date for the new Head is July 1, 2027 which gives the new Head time to transition and get to know the school before formally taking the reins.

What should I do if I have questions or feedback about the search?
Contact our Search Committee Co-Chairs at: Head of School Search

Questions?
The Search Committee is committed to an inclusive search process. We intend to keep the community informed throughout while also respecting the confidentiality of the candidate recruitment process. If you have questions about this process, or if you have someone to recommend for the Head of School position, please reach out to the Head of School Search

Non-discrimination & Accreditation

Non-Discrimination Policy
Verde Valley School is an open and inclusive community and embraces diversity as a part of it’s dedication to our Guiding Principles

Verde Valley School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment and admissions decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accreditation
Verde Valley School is accredited thru Cognia. Last accreditation was in 2024.