Dear Cary Academy Community,

Over the past several months, the Head of School Search Committee, with support from our consultants at Resource Group 175 (RG175), has been working to identify Cary Academy’s next Head of School, to succeed Dr. Mike Ehrhardt in July 2027. We began with an in-depth study of the opportunities and challenges ahead and gathered community input through surveys and interviews. That feedback informed the position statement, posted on our website, which describes the opportunities and challenges, as well as the qualities and qualifications we are seeking. Since last fall, candidates from around the world have inquired about and applied for this opportunity. Cary Academy has attracted tremendous interest, a credit to the school we have built and to the work so many have done alongside Mike in recent years.

After extensive interviews and review, the Search Committee has identified three finalists who will visit campus with their spouses between March 4 and March 13. Each candidate will be here for approximately two and a half days. While these candidates are being considered for the role, they are also deciding whether Cary Academy is the right community for them and their families. We appreciate your warm welcome, should you encounter a candidate or their spouse while they are with us.

The candidates’ schedules will follow the approach we have used in prior senior leadership searches. Candidates will meet in small groups with faculty, administrators, staff, student leaders, PTAA leaders and volunteers, alumni leaders, and trustees. The Search Committee will invite those who meet with the candidates to share feedback through an online survey, and that input is an important part of our process. 

The search follows widely accepted professional practices for independent school leadership searches. Only the Search Committee will have access to full application materials, interview notes, reference checks, survey results, and background checks. Entrusted by the Board, the Search Committee will ultimately recommend one candidate to the full Board of Directors and make the case for that individual as our next Head of School.

Finalists’ brief bios will be temporarily posted on the Head of School Search page in the days immediately prior to their visit. We ask that you respect their privacy and share impressions and perspectives only through the provided feedback channels, as candidates will return to schools where they hold trusted roles and relationships.

Thank you for your thoughtful support of this process. We are excited to move into this next stage of the search and to plan a strong transition while celebrating Mike’s leadership through the 2026–2027 school year.

Warmly and with gratitude,

Monica Udell
Chair, Head of School Search Committee

Trude Bate
Chair, Board of Directors