October 14, 2020

 

Dear Commonwealth Community,

 

Commonwealth School's Board of Trustees is pleased to announce its next Head of School. Beginning on July 1, 2021, Jennifer Borman (Class of 1981) will assume the headship position, succeeding longstanding, retiring Head of School Bill Wharton.

As a Commonwealth alumna, passionate educator, and experienced head, Jennifer understands Commonwealth's mission and brings an external view to help us look inward as we challenge our own views and circumspection. She has both the analytical skills and the ability to make instant connections with students and faculty around the role of a Commonwealth education; the complex issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); and the setting and achievement of goals.

 

Since 2007, Jennifer has been the Head of School at School One in Providence, Rhode Island. School One is a small, diverse, and progressive independent school, grades 9-12, with a mission that includes a focus on creativity, a collaborative culture, and an appreciation of difference.

"[School leadership] is a profoundly human enterprise that requires keen psychological insight, empathy, attentive listening, and emotional fortitude. It requires an active intellect—both to reflect the school's core educational mission and to use it to steer a complex organization."

 

—Jennifer Borman '81

Jennifer attended Brown University and graduated with a B.A. in English. Subsequently, she completed extensive studies in the doctoral program for Teacher Education and Education Policy at the College of Education at Michigan State University. She has been a recipient of a Fulbright Hays Fellowship to live and study in China, as well as a Klingenstein Fellowship for independent school heads at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has recently served as a grant reviewer for the Women's Fund of Rhode Island.

 

Her appointment follows extensive research and interviews by the Board-appointed Search Committee, who worked in consultation with a Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee and Trustees with the drafting of the Position Statement; thorough background and reference checks; an in-person school visit and meeting with the Search Committee; 19 Zoom meeting sessions with various combinations/members of the faculty, staff, students, parents, and other constituents; and final Board of Trustees deliberations that resulted in a unanimous vote for her.

Borman with students

Throughout the recruitment process, the Search Committee was particularly impressed with her analytical approach toward independent school leadership that is coupled with humane, clear, and fearless communication skills. She is genuine, pragmatic, and caring. During her virtual school meetings in September where she met with a cross-section of the community, she quickly established interactive rapport with constituent groups. She not only garnered quick acceptance by meeting participants but also achieved noteworthy respect for her deep experience with faculty and student support, financial management, DEI, fundraising, and pedagogical expertise.

 

In the coming weeks the Board, in close collaboration with the School, will assemble a transition team to ensure Jennifer is well prepared for her new assignment beginning in July 2021.

 

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Bill Wharton for his decades-long service to the School and steadfast leadership in challenging times. We look forward to his continued leadership for the remainder of the school year.

 

Sincerely, 

Commonwealth School

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