About CVA

Head of School Search

Head of School Search

In February 2023, Kate Webber Punderson ’89, Head of School, announced her intention to conclude her leadership of CVA in June 2024. And, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chair Lindy MacKinnon Gruen ’92, expressed deep gratitude to Kate for her exceptional leadership and longstanding commitment to the Academy serving for the past 12 years as Head of School, and for the 10 years prior in two leadership positions.

The Board is currently engaged in the search process for CVA’s next Head of School. Leading this important endeavor are Search Committee Co-Chairs Kevin Burns P ’04 and Peter C. Smith ’08. The Search Committee will share updates via this web page as the process moves forward to appoint Kate’s successor. Members of the CVA community can share their thoughts and perspectives with the Search Committee by emailing boardchair@gocva.com.
"Kate’s extraordinary leadership has been transformative for CVA’s past, present, and future Big Dogs. Living and breathing the CVA mission for decades, her selfless devotion, solid character, and unwavering commitment, along with her diligence, knowledge, and experience, have made her a special and invaluable leader. CVA is in a position of exceptional strength and is well-poised for continued progress through this leadership transition."
-Lindy MacKinnon Gruen ’92, Chair, Board of Trustees

Search Committee

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the timeline?

    The goal is to identify a candidate and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2023.

  • What is the role of the Board of Trustees in the search?

    The Board is ultimately responsible for selecting the Head of School. A board-designated Search Committee is conducting the search.

  • What is the role of the Search Committee?

    Search Committee members possess a broad range of experiences, talents, and perspectives, an understanding of CVA’s history and approach, and a strong commitment to the CVA mission. The Search Committee leads the search process, meets with and reviews candidates, and makes a recommendation to the full Board of Trustees. We are incredibly appreciative to the Search Committee members for this important and substantial commitment to CVA.

  • How will the Board and Search Committee keep the community updated?

    While much of the search process must be kept confidential, the Search Committee is also committed to transparency. The community will be kept informed through periodic email updates as well as  through this page on CVA’s website.

  • Will additional CVA community members be involved in the process?

    The Board and the Search Committee are committed to conducting a transparent and inclusive process that will include opportunities to engage the broader CVA community. Input and perspective from a wide-range of CVA community members will be critical to facilitating a successful leadership transition.

  • When will the next Head of School begin?

    CVA’s next head of school will begin their tenure on July 1, 2024.

Search Updates & Communications

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Carrabassett Valley Academy

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 (207) 237-2250
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