News Detail
Andrew Menke Chosen as New Head
The New Hampton School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Andrew Menke has accepted the position of Head of New Hampton School. Andrew, currently the Head of Colorado Rocky Mountain School, was selected from a large field of talented applicants from all over the country.
The nation-wide search began in September, with the assistance of Educational Directions Incorporated. In November, the Search Committee reviewed in detail the written materials submitted by 24 strong, highly regarded educators. After hours of deliberation assessing the merits of each candidate, including professional references, the group was narrowed to eight candidates.
The eight semi-finalists were interviewed and asked a series of 30 carefully developed questions to learn as much as possible about the candidates in every area pertinent to leading New Hampton School. From those interviews, three sitting heads of school emerged as finalists. In mid-January each of the three finalists visited the campus for three days, talking with students, faculty, and staff and experiencing campus life. Finally, the Search Committee met in Executive Session with the entire Board of Trustees on January 21 to choose the next Head of School.
Andrew Menke is a collaborative leader who has made consensus building a high priority since his appointment as Head in 1999. Like New Hampton School, Colorado Rocky Mountain School takes a holistic approach to learning, seeking to educate the whole child through academics, art, athletic, outdoor and service programs. Working with the senior administrative team and in partnership with all stakeholders, Andrew began his responsibilities by defining and articulating the school’s educational philosophy. Using the school’s mission as a filter, he and his staff identified those skills necessary for success in college and in life. A strategic plan was created and a working document now guides the achievement of the school’s goals. In the last five years, Colorado Rocky Mountain School has experienced increased enrollment and retention, improved college acceptance, success in annual and capital fundraising, improvements to the physical plant, retirement of outstanding debt, increased financial aid, and improved compensation for faculty and staff.
Mr. Menke’s previous experience included posts as Director of Admission and Marketing for Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Director of Development and Director of Admission of Bridgton Academy, in North Bridgton, Maine. There, he had previously taught English, coached, and served as a dorm parent. A 1986 graduate of Towson University with a B.A. in English, Andrew is a master’s degree candidate at Dartmouth College. His hobbies include skiing, rock climbing, biking, fly-fishing, and running.
Andrew Menke and his wife Jennifer are the parents of Anna, 10, and Auden, 8. Of his appointment, Andrew writes, “My family and I are privileged to join New Hampton School where we see a cohesive community built on the moral foundation of respect and responsibility — two values essential to school life and ingredients necessary for personal fulfillment and opportunities for contribution.” The Menke family is excited to return to a New England boarding school, one close to familial support.
In anticipation of taking over the helm of New Hampton School, Mr. Menke will be joining the Board for its Trustee Meeting in April on campus, and he and his family will move to New Hampton in July. Ceremonies installing him as Head of School will be held in the fall as a highlight of our Reunion Weekend celebration. We hope you share our excitement about his appointment and will join us in welcoming the Menke family to our school.
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The nation-wide search began in September, with the assistance of Educational Directions Incorporated. In November, the Search Committee reviewed in detail the written materials submitted by 24 strong, highly regarded educators. After hours of deliberation assessing the merits of each candidate, including professional references, the group was narrowed to eight candidates.
The eight semi-finalists were interviewed and asked a series of 30 carefully developed questions to learn as much as possible about the candidates in every area pertinent to leading New Hampton School. From those interviews, three sitting heads of school emerged as finalists. In mid-January each of the three finalists visited the campus for three days, talking with students, faculty, and staff and experiencing campus life. Finally, the Search Committee met in Executive Session with the entire Board of Trustees on January 21 to choose the next Head of School.
Andrew Menke is a collaborative leader who has made consensus building a high priority since his appointment as Head in 1999. Like New Hampton School, Colorado Rocky Mountain School takes a holistic approach to learning, seeking to educate the whole child through academics, art, athletic, outdoor and service programs. Working with the senior administrative team and in partnership with all stakeholders, Andrew began his responsibilities by defining and articulating the school’s educational philosophy. Using the school’s mission as a filter, he and his staff identified those skills necessary for success in college and in life. A strategic plan was created and a working document now guides the achievement of the school’s goals. In the last five years, Colorado Rocky Mountain School has experienced increased enrollment and retention, improved college acceptance, success in annual and capital fundraising, improvements to the physical plant, retirement of outstanding debt, increased financial aid, and improved compensation for faculty and staff.
Mr. Menke’s previous experience included posts as Director of Admission and Marketing for Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Director of Development and Director of Admission of Bridgton Academy, in North Bridgton, Maine. There, he had previously taught English, coached, and served as a dorm parent. A 1986 graduate of Towson University with a B.A. in English, Andrew is a master’s degree candidate at Dartmouth College. His hobbies include skiing, rock climbing, biking, fly-fishing, and running.
Andrew Menke and his wife Jennifer are the parents of Anna, 10, and Auden, 8. Of his appointment, Andrew writes, “My family and I are privileged to join New Hampton School where we see a cohesive community built on the moral foundation of respect and responsibility — two values essential to school life and ingredients necessary for personal fulfillment and opportunities for contribution.” The Menke family is excited to return to a New England boarding school, one close to familial support.
In anticipation of taking over the helm of New Hampton School, Mr. Menke will be joining the Board for its Trustee Meeting in April on campus, and he and his family will move to New Hampton in July. Ceremonies installing him as Head of School will be held in the fall as a highlight of our Reunion Weekend celebration. We hope you share our excitement about his appointment and will join us in welcoming the Menke family to our school.
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