Head of School's Blog

Recent events have me thinking a good deal about the past, present, and future of Dublin School. Many people have kindly asked how I am doing as I approach the end of my 18-year career at Dublin School. I am feeling a mix of emotions as the thought of leaving a place I love approaches with each passing day. First, I am proud of our board and RG175 for running such a professional search for the next head of school, and I am thrilled that they found Sam and Ellie Bicknell to lead the school starting in July 2026. It is clear they love working with young people and understand the power of a small boarding school education. And I am seeing how little time there is left to finish some ongoing projects, prepare the school for their arrival, and say goodbye to the hundreds of people Lisa and I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know during our time here.

Last week I had a great visit from Michael Lehmann, the son of our founders, Paul and Nancy Lehmann, and who also served as Dublin’s second head of school. Can you imagine taking over from your own father? Michael has been a good friend to me and has supported our extensive efforts to get kids outside by giving us land and resources to build trails for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. He and his sister, Louisa Birch (who just visited today), have been a great resource to us in helping us connect to our past as intentionally as possible. I love the thread running through the leadership of this school and connecting to this exciting new chapter that is soon to start.

I hope many alumni, friends, alumni parents, former faculty, etc., will come to visit us. Our students and faculty are doing amazing things as we begin the transition from fall to winter on our beautiful campus!