Mullica Hill, NJ
Independent School: PK – 8
INTRODUCTION
Friends School Mullica Hill (FSMH) is a vibrant learning community, serving 175 students on a 26-acre campus in Mullica Hill, NJ. Since its founding in 1969, the school has been a nurturing and caring institution focused on the development of elementary and middle school students in a setting that meets their needs – academic, artistic, athletic, and spiritual. FSMH embraces diversity in belief, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background and remains dedicated to its mission: To empower students to achieve their full potential and become responsible global citizens by providing a comprehensive academic program infused with Quaker values in a diverse and inclusive learning community.
FSMH Class of 2024
FSMH is the only Quaker school in Gloucester County, NJ, and is governed by a self-appointing Board of Trustees, many of whom are members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Graduates of the school attend a variety of private, parochial, and public high schools in the tri-state area.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM & PHILOSOPHY
Friends School holds strongly to the Quaker belief that there is that of God in each person. Students are encouraged to consider and honor others through the development of healthy, respectful social relationships, the practice of peaceful conflict resolution, and the challenges of intellectually stimulating programs that provoke curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Teachers present up-to-date issues through integrated, cross-curricular lessons that challenge students with a rigorous curriculum while meeting the needs of a variety of learners. Through these curricula, students develop the problem- solving and critical-thinking skills that enable them to contribute to and share the satisfaction of the group’s academic progress. Quaker values are at the foundation of our programs; all members of the Friends School family learn about honoring diversity, valuing individual and group achievement, and contributing their strengths to the needs of the community and the world.
Students chalk Salem playscape in celebration of Earth Day
MULLICA HILL, NJ
Set deep in New Jersey’s scenic southern farmlands, Mullica Hill, settled in the late 17th century and built mostly during the Civil War era, has the best of the past and present. With the entire town on the National Register of Historic Places, its authentic historical background makes it an especially interesting spot for antiquers. Harrison Township was recognized by South Jersey Magazine in 2024 as the top community in Gloucester County and the 3rd top community in the South Jersey Region.
Source: Tourism Website of New Jersey
FUTURE LEADERSHIP
The FSMH Head Search Committee is conducting a national search to identify a new Head of School. Insights were gathered from community stakeholders and the following summary is based on this input combined with input from the Search Committee. This summary highlights Friends School’s strengths, the challenges it faces in the next three to five years, and the qualities and traits the trustees and the school seek in the next Head of School.
Strengths: Friends School Mullica Hill stands out in the independent school community of South Jersey. As the only Friends school in Gloucester County, FSMH is clear in its identity, proud of its history and unequivocally committed to its mission as a Quaker, forward-thinking school.
- Philosophy/mission: clear commitment to a Quaker education with an emphasis on social justice, conflict resolution, and environmental education
- Faculty: educators in every subject area who are committed to the craft of teaching and the well-being of their students
- Community: a strong culture of learning that values the individual within the context of a strong, vibrant community
- Families: strong family commitment to the school and its values
- Social justice: commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Institutional stability: 10-year NJAIS re-accreditation is being completed again in 2024 and Friends Council on Education membership renewal completed in 2017
Challenges and Opportunities: The school has been led for the past 7 years by a Head of School who has provided a very thoughtful approach to leadership. As he moves into the next chapter in his professional and personal life, FSMH seeks a Head to provide stable, thoughtful, and patient leadership that values collaborative, transparent decision-making; embraces the school’s Quaker identity; values and strives for equity, inclusion and diversity; and honors and champions the school’s many accomplishments.
The following challenges and opportunities have been identified as the most significant for the school and its Head in the next 3-5 years:
- Sustaining efforts to attract, hire and retain a diverse faculty and staff
- Enhancing demand for enrollment and examining access to and affordability of an FSMH education
- Educating the school community about the value of raising funds beyond tuition: fundraising stabilizes tuition costs and increases access; supporting the Development Committee in its efforts to secure additional funding partnerships in the community
- Working with the Board of Trustees to forge a facilities plan that enhances current campus features
- Exploring and clarifying the school’s capacity to accommodate students’ learning needs
- Providing leadership to the school community as it continues to work collectively toward racial equity and social justice
- Strengthening the school’s identity and presence in the larger community
Qualities: Friends School Mullica Hill seeks a leader who will embrace the mission of the school and possess most of the following:
- Commitment to the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality
- Willingness to learn and use Quaker collaborative decision-making process
- Instructional leadership experience in a K-8 setting, including teaching experience
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
- Demonstrated experience promoting equity and inclusion
- Demonstrated connection with communities of color
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills
- Sense of perspective and humor
- Experience sustaining and growing a healthy financial position for a mission-driven organization with a comparable budget
- Demonstrated success in resource development, including fostering a culture of giving
SEARCH PROCESS
Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials by
September 1, 2024:
- A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee
- Resume
- Statement of educational philosophy
- A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses)
- Up to three letters of reference may be submitted
- Application materials are to be sent via email, as a single WORD or PDF document to:
Cori McMahon, Psy.D., Search Committee Clerk, searchcommittee@friendsmh.org
All inquiries will be treated confidentially and a review of candidate files will begin immediately.
Friends School Mullica Hill believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.
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