LEADPrep is evolving, as all dynamic organizations do. With a decade of being a sanctuary for tweens and teens who wanted something different and more humanized than many larger schools, we are making two major shifts:
As our founding director, I, Maureen O’Shaughnessy, am handing over the reins to two qualified and caring leaders. Christi Trimble-Kreutz is already onboard, managing operations and preparing to become the Director of Operations in July. Liz McFarland, who was one of over 20 candidates our in-house search team vetted, is stepping in as instructional head of school. Both candidates are already working closely with me and will report directly to the board as they co-lead LEADPrep into its next phase.
We are right-sizing to one campus. With our larger population being in north Seattle, we will be housed there. Unifying campuses works for our numbers, finances, and goal of supporting our new leaders in building community.
I LOVE to create. Moving (often around the globe) to new schools every two to three years was my original career pattern, allowing me to start innovations–my passion. Building LEADPrep and serving here for ten years has been a labor of love. It has been such a powerful experience creating a place that begins with relationships and the varied strengths, passions, and purposes of our learners.
Collaborating closely with parents, outside specialists, our team and Dream Team has built wraparound support I hadn’t previously experienced. Sharing our story in our book, Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids, to help others create microschools was a magical team effort. Again telling our journey with podcast listeners and learning from innovative educational thought leaders and practitioners on the Education Evolution podcast extended our message and resources.
As I seek my next great place to serve and make a difference, I feel incredible gratitude for the many parents, teachers, and students who have believed in our mission and helped build LEADPrep to be an imperfect yet dedicated sanctuary for our rainbow of learners. I have learned and grown from this rollercoaster of experiences and happy jumble of relationships. Thank you for helping me create a place where the focus is on learners being seen, heard, valued, and thriving! I hold you all in my heart.