Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School’s Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of Laura McDonald as its permanent Head of School.
Thomas Jefferson conducted a nationwide search with the assistance of two nationally-recognized search firms and reviewed the credentials of more than 30 candidates. Laura McDonald’s appointment, which has been recommended by the Search Committee, was unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the full TJ Board.
Laura served as TJ’s Head of School from 2009-2015, and as Assistant Head from 2007-2009. She successfully led the school through many of its defining milestones including the dramatic expansion of TJ’s physical plant to include the Humphreys Arts and Student Life Complex, significant growth in enrollment, improvement of the Lower School academic program, and several Strategic Planning and ISACS accreditation cycles. In her 21 years at TJ, she has served as teacher, coach, College Counselor, Dean of Girls, and in several other leadership capacities. She earned her B.A. degree at Kenyon College, and her M.S. degree at Southwest Missouri State University. Prior to college, she graduated from one of the most highly-selective (and largest) independent schools in the country – Northfield Mount Hermon School. No one in TJ’s history has had more experience with – and knowledge of – the entire TJ program and community than Laura.
TJ has educated all of Laura’s children, including her three stepdaughters who all began their TJ careers the day the school opened its doors in 1993, and her son who just graduated as a member of the class of 2018. She is married to Dr. Mike McDonald, one of the founding Trustees of the school.
“We are excited to have Laura lead TJ as we build on our 25 years of tradition and unwavering dedication to academic excellence,” said Debra Humphreys, Chairman of TJ’s Board of Trustees, in the announcement to the school community. “She is a consummate and caring educator, an enduring pillar of our community, and has played an integral role in shaping what TJ is today.” We look forward to the next chapter in TJ’s future with the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in Laura’s leadership.
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