Head of School Transition

List of 6 items.

• March 15, 2026: A Letter from Mark Foster to the Community

  Dear Harrisburg Academy Community,

   

  Earlier this month, I shared news of our partnership with Resource Group 175 (RG175), a leading head search firm for independent schools in the United States and abroad. As we prepare for our Discovery Visit on March 18 & 19 with Mr. John Farber and Mr. Hamilton Clark, our consultants, I wanted to share a brief update.

   

  I am pleased to announce the members of our Interim Head of School Search Committee who will assist RG175 in leading a comprehensive and mission-driven search process informed by Harrisburg Academy’s current needs and future aspirations. Ultimately, the search committee will be responsible for making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees identifying our interim head of school. The members are:

  • Dr. Ashish Behari, M.D. ’91, P’31, ’33, co-chair and member of the Board of Trustees
  • Teri Rooney ’92, P’27, co-chair and secretary of the Board of Trustees
  • Angela Odijidja Boateng, J.D. P’34, ’36, member of the Board of Trustees
  • Robyn Cutchall, Lower School faculty
  • Mark Foster, president of the Board of Trustees (ex-officio, non-voting)
  • James Harding P’30, Middle & Upper School faculty
  • Ed O’Gorman, MBA, CFA P’27, ’35
  • Meron Yemane P’36, ’39

  As a reminder of next steps, during the Discovery Visit, each member of the Academy’s faculty and staff will meet with our consultants. A community-wide survey that invites input from all members of our community will also be shared, allowing RG175 to better define our community’s goals for the future of our school. 

   

  We look forward to welcoming our consultants to campus this week as we secure the next leader for our community. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email transitionteam@harrisburgacademy.org to contact the Interim Head of School Search Committee.

   

  With Spartan Pride, 
  
  Mark Foster
  President, Board of Trustees

• March 4, 2026: A Letter from Mark Foster to the Community

  Dear Harrisburg Academy Families and Alumni, 

   

  It is an exciting time of year at the Academy! Our seniors are hearing back from colleges, our talented students are preparing for performances of Guys and Dolls this weekend, our athletes have celebrated phenomenal seasons, and we are looking forward to seeing our Spartans present key milestone projects that are part of the International Baccalaureate Program. 

   

  Amidst all of these experiential touchpoints for our community, the Board of Trustees has been thoughtfully engaged in planning related to appointing an interim and permanent head of school. In the weeks since Adrian Allan shared news of his retirement, the Board of Trustees has secured an agreement with Resource Group 175 (RG175), a leading head search firm for independent schools in the United States and abroad. Founded in 2002, RG175’s greatest value lies in their expertise, extensive networks, and commitment to a true partnership with Harrisburg Academy’s search committee. Resulting from their thoughtful and strategic approach to recommending potential school leaders, throughout the last six years, 96% of the heads of school placed by RG175 remain in their positions. RG175’s large database of candidates will allow our consultants, Mr. John Farber and Mr. Hamilton Clark, to bring forward candidates for the interim head of school position whose leadership style and management skills align closely with Harrisburg Academy’s opportunities and challenges. I encourage all members of our community to read more about our consultants here. 

   

  Below is a timeline of events related to the search for interim head of school. 

  • Finalize position statement in early March 2026: RG175 will finalize an interim head of school position statement which will be approved by the search committee chair. The statement will be shared with independent school leaders in the firm’s database, published in several independent school publications, and posted on the firm’s website publicly. These independent school leaders have served as interim heads of school, heads of school, and executive directors of major independent school organizations such as the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). 
  • Discovery Visit on March 18 & 19, 2026: Each member of the faculty and staff will meet with Mr. Farber and Mr. Clark during the site visit. A community-wide survey that invites input from all members of the community will also be shared. The Discovery Visit will allow our consultants to better define what our community’s goals are for the future of our school. Results from the discovery phase will only be shared with the Interim Head of School Search Committee, so it is vital that all who participate provide candid feedback to our consultants.
  • Recruitment for interim head of school in March & April 2026: Mr. Farber and Mr. Clark will work closely with the Interim Head of School Search Committee, providing regular updates regarding uniquely qualified candidates. RG175 will recommend up to four candidates to the committee for finalist visits. The dates of finalist visits will be announced after they have been agreed upon with candidates and the committee. At the end of each site visit, a community-wide survey will be distributed, allowing for your input.
  • Committee selection and announcement of interim head of school in late spring 2026: The Interim Head of School Search Committee will review survey data and information provided during reference checks for each candidate. After careful consideration, the search committee will then make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding whom to appoint as interim head of school. The Board of Trustees will then issue a formal announcement, naming our interim head of school. 

   

  The Board of Trustees looks forward to partnering with RG175 and our Interim Head of School Search Committee to secure an exceptional leader to carry our school into its next phase of growth as we continue our legacy of ushering visionary graduates into our local and global communities. Should you have any questions or concerns, please continue to utilize the transitionteam@harrisburgacademy.org as we embark on this pivotal moment in the Academy’s history. 

   

  Sincerely, 
  
  Mark Foster
  President, Board of Trustees

• January 13, 2026: A Letter from Mark Foster to the Community

  Dear Harrisburg Academy Community, 

  
  

  Moments ago, a letter was sent on behalf of Adrian Allan, head of school, announcing his upcoming retirement at the conclusion of this academic year. After 54 years of dedicated service to independent schools, especially Harrisburg Academy throughout the last seven, he has decided to embrace a well-deserved retirement!

  
  

  Throughout his tenure, Adrian’s leadership has profoundly shaped our community. Under his guidance, Harrisburg Academy has continued to define educational excellence throughout the region. Some of his many achievements include leading our efforts to become an International Baccalaureate World School authorized to offer the full continuum, expanding professional development opportunities for our exceptional faculty and staff, and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond these efforts, Adrian has touched the lives of countless members of our community, making Harrisburg Academy a true home for many. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish to extend our deepest appreciation to Adrian for his contributions to our community. He will be greatly missed! 

  
  

  While we will have time to celebrate Adrian’s retirement and honor his contributions in the months ahead, I wanted to assure our community that the Board of Trustees has already engaged in thoughtful planning for our future. This leadership transition marks a significant moment in the life of Harrisburg Academy and our next steps will be carried out with close care, professionalism, and discernment. We are committed to a transition process that supports continued strength and strategic growth for our school. I am grateful to Assistant Head of School and Head of Early Childhood and Lower School Dr. Sarah Oatney-Weiler, and our newly-appointed Head of Middle and Upper Schools Mr. David Shover, for providing stable leadership of our divisions as we look toward the 2026-27 school year. 

  
  

  To identify candidates to serve as interim head of school for next school year, the Board of Trustees has engaged with Donna Orem, former president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). In the coming weeks, a small search committee will move forward with inviting candidates to our campus who specialize in serving in interim capacities. Looking ahead, to help us attract the most talented candidates, the Board of Trustees will be partnering with a consulting firm to launch a national search for a permanent head of school to join our community. We look forward to embarking on this comprehensive and mission-driven search process, and we will update the community as our processes progress.

  
  

  Please join me in thanking Adrian and wishing him well as he prepares for this next chapter. Answers to some of the questions you may have are available here, but should you wish to reach out regarding this transition, I encourage you to contact me by emailing transitionteam@harrisburgacademy.org. 

  
  

  Sincerely,

  
  Mark Foster
  President, Board of Trustees

• January 13, 2026: A Letter from Adrian Allan to Alumni

  Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  
  

  Dear Academy Alumni, 

  
  

  With mixed emotions, I write today to inform you of my decision to retire from my role as head of school, effective June 30, 2026, after seven wonderful years serving the Academy community. With my 77th birthday approaching in March and after spending the Winter Break with my wife in Portugal, I am looking forward to this next chapter focusing on family and new adventures. Having served in education for 54 years in eight countries, I am extremely grateful to have led this remarkable institution. 

  
  

  As I enter this next part of my journey, I will carry fond memories of the Academy with me, just as each of you do. From our humble beginnings along the Susquehanna in 1784 to our home on Erford Road, innovation and collaboration have remained a constant in Harrisburg Academy’s history. Witnessing the growth of our Spartans; collaborating alongside dynamic and devoted faculty, staff, and administrators; and partnering with our exceptional families and community members, have truly allowed our community to flourish. Thank you for your continued engagement and support which sustains our mission in meaningful ways. You are each living proof that the education and values fostered here ensure long after graduation.
  
  I am grateful to have been part of continuing to build a community in which each of our students is seen, known, and celebrated. Together, we achieved authorization to offer both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), making Harrisburg Academy the only school in central Pennsylvania authorized as an International Baccalaureate Full Continuum School.

   

  In just a short while, you will receive a letter from Mr. Mark Foster, chair of the Board of Trustees, with next steps regarding our leadership transition. In the coming months, I will work closely with the Board and administrators, ensuring Harrisburg Academy’s continued success. I am pleased to announce that Mr. David Shover has agreed to serve as our permanent head of Middle and Upper Schools, and Dr. Sarah Oatney-Weiler will continue as assistant head of school and head of Early Childhood and Lower Schools.  

  
  

  Serving as Harrisburg Academy’s head of school has truly been one of the highlights of my career, and I am grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. Thank you for allowing me to call the Academy home. I look forward to continuing our progress in the coming months.

  
  

  With Spartan Pride,

  
  Adrian Allan
  Head of School

• January 13, 2026: A Letter from Adrian Allan to Families

  Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  
  

  Dear Harrisburg Academy Families, 

  
  

  With mixed emotions, I write today to inform you of my decision to retire from my role as head of school, effective June 30, 2026, after seven wonderful years serving the Academy community. With my 77th birthday approaching in March and after spending the Winter Break with my wife in Portugal, I am looking forward to this next chapter focusing on family and new adventures. Having served in education for 54 years in eight countries, I am extremely grateful to have led this remarkable institution. 

  
  

  As I enter this next part of my journey, I will carry fond memories of the Academy with me. From our humble beginnings along the Susquehanna in 1784 to our home on Erford Road, innovation and collaboration have remained a constant in Harrisburg Academy’s history. Witnessing the growth of our Spartans; collaborating alongside dynamic and devoted faculty, staff, and administrators; and partnering with our exceptional families, alumni, and community members, have truly allowed our community to flourish. I am grateful to have been part of continuing to build a community in which each of our students is seen, known, and celebrated. Together, we achieved authorization to offer both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), making Harrisburg Academy the only school in central Pennsylvania authorized as an International Baccalaureate Full Continuum School.

   

  In just a short while, you will receive a letter from Mr. Mark Foster, chair of the Board of Trustees, with next steps regarding our leadership transition. In the coming months, I will work closely with the Board and administrators, ensuring Harrisburg Academy’s continued success. I am pleased to announce that Mr. David Shover has agreed to serve as our permanent head of Middle and Upper Schools, and Dr. Sarah Oatney-Weiler will continue as assistant head of school and head of Early Childhood and Lower Schools.  

  
  

  Serving as Harrisburg Academy’s head of school has truly been one of the highlights of my career, and I am grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. Thank you for allowing me to call the Academy home. I look forward to continuing our progress in the coming months.

  
  

  With Spartan Pride,

  
  Adrian Allan
  Head of School

• January 13, 2026: A Letter from Adrian Allan to Faculty & Staff

  Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  
  

  Dear Faculty & Staff, 

  
  

  With mixed emotions, I write today to inform you of my decision to retire from my role as head of school, effective June 30, 2026, after seven wonderful years serving the Academy community. With my 77th birthday approaching in March and after spending the Winter Break with my wife in Portugal, I am looking forward to this next chapter focusing on family and new adventures. Having served in education for 54 years in eight countries, I am extremely grateful to have led this remarkable institution. 

  
  

  As I enter this next part of my journey, I will carry fond memories of the Academy with me. From our humble beginnings along the Susquehanna in 1784 to our home on Erford Road, innovation and collaboration have remained a constant in Harrisburg Academy’s history. Witnessing the growth of our Spartans; collaborating alongside each of you; and partnering with our exceptional families, alumni, and community members, have truly allowed our community to flourish. I am grateful to have been part of continuing to build a community in which each of our students is seen, known, and celebrated. Together, we achieved authorization to offer both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), making Harrisburg Academy the only school in central Pennsylvania authorized as an International Baccalaureate Full Continuum School.

   

  In just a short while, you will receive a letter from Mr. Mark Foster, chair of the Board of Trustees, with next steps regarding our leadership transition. In the coming months, I will work closely with the Board and administrators, ensuring Harrisburg Academy’s continued success. I am pleased to announce that Mr. David Shover has agreed to serve as our permanent head of Middle and Upper Schools, and Dr. Sarah Oatney-Weiler will continue as assistant head of school and head of Early Childhood and Lower Schools.  

  
  

  Serving as Harrisburg Academy’s head of school has truly been one of the highlights of my career, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead such an exceptional community. Thank you for allowing me to call the Academy home. I look forward to continuing our progress in the coming months.

  
  

  With Spartan Pride,

  
  Adrian Allan
  Head of School