by Jackie Gong
As interim principal Mark Aronson will retire at the end of this school year, superintendent David Fleishman will appoint the new principal by Feb. 12, according to a timeline released to teachers. The new principal will lead the search for a permanent vice principal shortly thereafter.
Fleishman says the biggest difference in this year’s principal search is the earlier start. “Last year, we didn’t know that Dr. Price was leaving, so we have a headstart this year. It’s advantageous to start earlier. People are also more familiar and more comfortable with the process.”

Similar to last year’s principal search, a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) comprised of one department head, one housemaster, five staff members, two parents, two students, the assistant superintendent, and the human resource administrator will advise Fleishman, conduct candidate interviews, and help choose semi-finalists and finalists.
Fleishman invited a few faculty members, as part of a focus group, to review the search process and timeframe for North parents last Monday and Wednesday in the film lecture hall.
Families also received an online survey asking respondents to share their opinions regarding the welfare of the school, what needs to be focused on, and what qualities they hope to see in the new principal.
“The most important aspect of the process is checking references and learning about candidate’s past experiences. We take that really seriously,” said Fleishman. “What someone was like in the past indicates how well they’ll do in future. How do they solve complex problems? How do they manage a large and complex institution? We’re looking for someone who can connect to teachers and students.”
Fleishman hopes to have “a broad and diverse pool with a range of excellent leadership experiences. There’s never a guarantee [we won’t have another interim principal], and our job is to find a candidate who is the best match. Hopefully we find that person; we’re optimistic.”