Letter to the Marymount Community from the Board of Trustees

Dear Marymount Family and Friends,

 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, and with deep appreciation for her innumerable accomplishments at Marymount, I am sharing that our beloved Head of School, Ms. Jacqueline Landry, has shared with the Board her decision to step down from her position at the conclusion of this academic year in July of  2024. This momentous event coincides with the conclusion of our centenary year. 

 

Jacqui’s leadership is notable in its extraordinary range of accomplishments which have enriched all areas of school life. Her visionary leadership, dynamic enthusiasm, passion for innovation, and stalwart commitment to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) mission have focused on what is ultimately best for our students and faculty. The result has brought Marymount’s first century to a highly respected and healthy close, positioning our School for a powerful and secure future for its next 100 years and beyond. Jacqui’s historic fifteen-year tenure provided much needed stability during times of unprecedented challenges in our world, our nation, and our city. She helped secure the School’s long-term viability by achieving sustainable and strategic goals.

 

The Board of Trustees is deeply grateful to Jacqui for having given ample time for succession planning, as is her manner of putting Marymount’s needs before all else. Knowing the importance and gravitas of this celebratory centenary year, an Interim Head of School will be appointed to serve from July of 2024 to June of 2025. This will permit us to conduct a comprehensive national search for our next outstanding and long-term leader.  

 

We are pleased to share that Jacqui has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity as a consultant while the Interim Head of School leads and the new Head of School search is underway. She will also be available as a resource during the transition to our new Head of School for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

 

The Board will form a Search Committee led by former Chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Emerita Rita Tuzon. We have selected a national search firm that specializes in Catholic independent schools. The Search Committee will update all constituents regularly on the process via the Marymount website and will seek input from all members of our school community in creative ways. 

 

On a personal note, I have cherished my years with Jacqui as a member of the Board of Trustees and current Board Chair, and as the parent of an alumna. I have been inspired by her tireless commitment to ensure the Marymount legacy for future generations beyond our bicentennial, and to sustain a vibrant, academically rigorous yet supportive learning environment that educates the heart, mind, and soul so that -- as expressed by our Founding Order -- “all may have life and have it to the full.” 

 

I look forward to our continued partnership over the next 12 months as Jacqui continues to serve as our exceptional Head of School. Please join me and the Board of Trustees in expressing our appreciation for all Jacqui has done – and will continue to do -- for our students, faculty, staff, and entire School community. Your continuing support and engagement are invaluable. 

 

With gratitude and prayer,

 

Michele Cooley-Strickland, M.Ed., Ph.D.

Chair, Board of Trustees