Frequently Asked Questions

List of 12 items.

• Is this the time for The Pegasus School to transition to a new Head of School?

  Jason will complete a decade of service at the end of the 2023–2024 school year, retiring at the ideal time to leave the school poised for excellence for the next journey under a new Head of School. The school is on firm financial footing.  By Jason's retirement, we anticipate completing the re-accreditation process, the Geisler Family WINGS Building and project, and the Roots to Grow, Wings to Soar Strategic Plan. Pegasus is in a prime position to recruit its next Head of School to build upon Jason's success. We are thankful for Jason's decade of excellence and considerable contributions to establishing Pegasus as the premier day school for pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 in Orange County.  

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

  The Board will meet the finalists and consider the recommendation from the Head of School Search Committee to hire the next Head of School to succeed Jason. The Board is responsible for hiring, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the Head of School. This is one of the Board’s most important responsibilities.

• What is the role of the Head of School Search Committee?

  The search committee will review candidate resumes, interview promising candidates, speak to references, select finalists, and recommend the next Head of School for the Board to hire. 

  
  In following NAIS Principles of Good Practice for Head of School Searches, the search committee will conduct the process in a manner that ensures complete confidentiality in the early stages, and the finalist stage be handled with great care, sensitivity, and consideration of each candidate’s wishes so as not to cause major disruption at their current school. 

• Who is leading the Head of School Search Committee?

  Marc Schneider, past Annual Fund Chair, Trustee, Chair of the Legal Advisory Committee, and Board Chair-Elect (2023–2024) leads the search committee.  

• Who are the Head of School search consultants?

  Overseeing the search process and advising the committee are Jerry Larson and Amy Richards from Educational Directions, a nationally recognized consulting firm for independent schools and proven leader in Head of School searches. 

• Will the Associate Head of School become the next Head of School?

  The Board values Associate Head Jen Green's many contributions to the Pegasus community and her experience as a former Pegasus fourth-grade teacher and Lower School Division Director at the school.  Jen expressed that she is looking forward to continuing in her current role and supporting the new Head of The Pegasus School.  We are thankful for Jen continuing to positively and meaningfully impact Pegasus.

• What is the job description for the Head of School?

  The Head of School is responsible for managing the academic program, curriculum, admissions and enrollment, employees, facilities, financial health, fundraising, community relations, and the day-to-day operations of The Pegasus School. The Head of School partners with the Board of Trustees to set the school’s long-term strategic plan and ensures the Mission is fulfilled.

• What is the timeline for the Head of School transition?

  The Board of Trustees expects to announce the hiring of the next Head of School by Winter 2023. The next Head of School will start effective July 1, 2024.
  
  

  May 2023 — Educational Directions conducts interviews and surveys community members 
  
  

  May–September 2023 — Candidate recruitment begins, and the Head of School Search Committee conducts interviews
  
  

  October–December 2023 — Finalists interviews and campus visits
  
  

  January 2024 — Announce Head of School selection
  
  

  July 1, 2024 — New Head of School assumes responsibility

  
  
  

• What is Jason’s role in the transition to the next Head of School?

  Jason will continue in his current role as Head of School of The Pegasus School throughout the 2023–2024 school year, after which the Board will recognize Jason with the honorary title of Head of School Emeritus for his significant contributions and lasting impact on the school. In the coming months, the community will have opportunities to celebrate the success of the school under Jason’s leadership while making time to plan for an exciting future. Jason will retire with Pegasus poised to soar under new leadership.

• When and how will the community be updated on the search?

  The search committee plans to communicate with community members throughout the process via email, and there will be a webpage with information and updates about the Head of School search on the Pegasus website. 

• How may I participate in the search process?

  The search process will also include opportunities for the community to have a voice. Jerry and Amy will be at Pegasus on May 3 and May 4, 2023, to gather input from all constituents about the school and the characteristics the community hopes to find in the next Head of School. Community members will be interviewed and surveyed, and, later, meet with the finalists when they come to campus. The community can then provide feedback on the finalists to the search committee.

  
  
  

• To whom do I send the name of a great candidate?

  Please reach out to our consultants from Educational Directions, Jerry Larson or Amy Richards.