Leadership Transition Information

Leadership transitions naturally raise questions. The following Frequently Asked Questions are intended to provide clarity and outline the search process as we begin this important year together. The Board of Trustees is committed to conducting a thoughtful, thorough, and transparent search, and we will continue to share timely updates with the school community as the process progresses.  

Why is this transition taking place now? 

After much prayer and discernment, Brian Cordeiro has accepted a call to serve as the next Executive Director of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada, beginning in September 2027. While this announcement marks a significant transition for our community, it also reflects Brian’s exceptional leadership and provides an opportunity for Brian to serve Sacred Heart education on a broader scale. At the same time, Saint Philomena School is well positioned to build upon its many strengths as we seek an outstanding next Head of School who will bring new perspectives, talents and leadership to guide our community into its next chapter. 

Why announce this so far in advance? 

Strong schools plan thoughtfully for leadership transitions. Announcing this decision a full year in advance allows the Board ample time to conduct a comprehensive search while ensuring continuity for students, families, faculty, and staff. It also allows Brian to devote significant time to preparing the school and supporting the next Head of School before his departure. This process is indicative of so many others at our school, which are professionally, thoughtfully, and strategically planned and executed to bring about the stability, vitality, and strength of such a strong school.

Will Brian remain Head of School for the entire 2026-2027 school year? 

Yes. Brian will continue to serve as active, focused, and engaged Head of School throughout the entire 2026-2027 academic year. This will be a full year of leadership, planning, and partnership with students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, and trustees. His commitment remains exactly where it has always been -- providing an exceptional school year for our children, leading us forward, and ensuring a smooth transition for the school's next leader. 

Is the school in a strong position for this transition? 

Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart is exceptionally well positioned for this next chapter in its history. The school benefits from strong governance, an excellent school leadership team, outstanding faculty and staff, committed families, generous supporters, healthy enrollment, sound financial stewardship, and a vibrant Catholic and Sacred Heart culture that continues to flourish.

Over the past several years, the school has intentionally strengthened the foundation upon which its next leader will build. The school has strong operational structures and a dynamic model for whole child support. Saint Philomena School recently completed continued accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in 2026, affirming the school's educational excellence, governance, and long-term sustainability. This year, the school will also complete the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG) process, further affirming its mission integrity and deep commitment to the Goals and Criteria that define Sacred Heart education. In addition, Saint Philomena is blessed to be part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, providing the next Head of School with access to an extraordinary community of educators, school leaders, trustees, and mission partners who collaborate, share best practices, and support one another across North America. 

Collectively, these strengths make Saint Philomena School an exceptionally attractive opportunity for outstanding educational leaders. The next Head of School will inherit a school with a clear mission, strong momentum, dedicated people, and a solid foundation for continued growth and success. 

Will this affect my child's experience this year?

Our students remain our highest priority. Throughout this transition, the faculty, staff, and leadership team will remain fully focused on providing the joyful, faith-filled, academically excellent, and caring experience that families have come to expect from Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart. 

Students should anticipate an enriching school year filled with engaging learning experiences, meaningful friendships, beloved traditions, opportunities for leadership and service, and the many moments of joy that define our community.

As we so often teach our students, this is also an opportunity to live one of our school's enduring lessons: to approach new beginnings with courage, confidence, and trust in God's providence. Together, we will embrace this moment with hope, knowing that Saint Philomena School's greatest strength has always been its extraordinary community and its unwavering commitment to the flourishing of every child. That never changes. 

How should we talk with our children about this news?

Children naturally take their cues from the adults around them. We encourage parents to present this as what it truly is: a joyful transition in which God is calling a leader to serve in a new way while preparing another leader to continue the mission of Saint Philomena School. Reassure your child that this school year will be filled with the same caring teachers, friends, traditions, and opportunities they know and love. Reassure them what they love about our school is that there are so many adults who care and make great things happen. Most importantly, remind them that the adults in their lives are working together to ensure that Saint Philomena School continues to be a place where every child is known, loved, challenged, and inspired to grow. 

Who will choose the next Head of School? 

The Saint Philomena School Board of Trustees, which has responsibility for the appointment and oversight of the Head of School, will oversee a thoughtful and comprehensive search process to identify the school's next leader. The process will be guided by a Search Committee composed of dedicated Trustees who know Saint Philomena School, its mission, and its community well. The Board is committed to identifying a mission-driven leader who embraces Catholic education, the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, and the distinctive culture and traditions that make Saint Philomena School unique.  

Will Brian be involved in selecting his successor? 

Brian will work closely with the Board of Trustees and Educational Directions throughout the year to support a successful leadership transition, including helping our search consultants deepen their understanding of Saint Philomena’s mission, culture, community and future opportunities. Consistent with executive searches and Sacred Heart best practices, Brian will not participate in the interviewing or selection of his successor. That responsibility rests with the Search Committee and, ultimately, the Board of Trustees. As the process moves from hiring to transitioning, Brian will play an important role in helping ensure a thoughtful and successful handoff to Saint Philomena School’s next Head of School. 

Will families have opportunities to provide input? 

The Board of Trustees recognizes that our families are an essential part of the Saint Philomena School community, and their perspectives are an important part of understanding the qualities, characteristics, and leadership attributes that will best serve our school in its next chapter. Throughout the search process, families will have meaningful opportunities to share their insights about our culture, mission, strengths, and aspirations for the future. As the search progresses, the Board will continue to provide updates and opportunities for engagement. In addition, our families will play an important role as ambassadors for Saint Philomena School, sharing the joy, faith, and sense of community that define our school and helping prospective leaders understand what makes Saint Philomena School such a special place to serve. 

What qualities will the Board be seeking in the next Head of School? 

The Board will seek a leader who is deeply committed to Catholic education, embraces the Sacred Heart mission and Goals and Criteria, values academic excellence, believes in the formation of the whole child, leads collaboratively, inspires confidence, and is prepared to build upon the strong foundation already in place.

Like Brian and the nine Heads of School who have preceded him, the next leader will bring unique gifts, talents, experiences, and perspectives to Saint Philomena School. While each leader leaves a distinctive mark on the school, all are united by a shared commitment to nurturing every child, strengthening our community, and faithfully advancing our Catholic and Sacred Heart mission. 

How can families support the school during this transition? 

The greatest gift our families can offer is the partnership that has always been at the heart of Saint Philomena School. Continue supporting your children's educational journey, participating actively in the life of the school, praying for the Board and the search process, and encouraging our faculty and staff as they continue their important work.

Perhaps most importantly, continue to be ambassadors for Saint Philomena School. The warmth, engagement, and commitment of our families are among the school's greatest strengths and play an important role in demonstrating the vibrant, faith-filled community that will attract an exceptional next Head of School. 

How will faculty and staff be involved in the transition process? 

Our faculty and staff are among Saint Philomena School's greatest strengths, and their perspectives are an important part of the search process. Consistent with established best practices for Head of School searches, including the search framework provided by the Sacred Heart Network, faculty and staff do not serve as members of the Search Committee but are meaningfully engaged throughout the process. They will have opportunities to share their insights about the school's culture, mission, strengths, opportunities, and the qualities they believe are most important in the next Head of School. Their voices will help inform the leadership profile that guides the search.

Throughout this transition, our faculty and staff will continue doing what they do best – providing an exceptional educational experience for our students while ensuring continuity and stability for our community. Just as importantly, they will serve as authentic ambassadors for Saint Philomena School, helping prospective candidates experience firsthand the vibrant culture, deep commitment, and mission-centered community that make our school such a special place to lead.

What will happen to our faculty and staff? 

This leadership transition does not change the important role our faculty and staff play in the life of Saint Philomena School. Our teachers, administrators, and staff remain the heart of our daily mission and will continue serving our students and families with the same dedication and excellence they demonstrate every day. Saint Philomena School's Catholic identity, Sacred Heart mission, and commitment to educational excellence will remain steadfast. The next Head of School will lead the team just as Brian and his predecessors have done. We look forward to welcoming a leader who values and builds upon the exceptional team already in place.

What is the Board of Trustees doing to identify the next Head of School? 

The Board of Trustees has begun the important work of planning for this leadership transition by establishing a Search Committee to guide the process of identifying Saint Philomena School's next Head of School. The Search Committee will work on behalf of the Board to develop a thoughtful search process, gather input from key stakeholders, recruit and evaluate highly qualified candidates, and recommend finalists for the Board's consideration.

The Search Committee will engage and work closely with a national search partner, Educational Directions, for expertise and support in attracting and recruiting a great Head of School. Throughout the process, the Board's priority will be to identify an exceptional mission-driven leader who embraces Catholic education, understands and values the Sacred Heart tradition, and possesses the experience, vision, and leadership necessary to build upon the strengths of Saint Philomena School. The Board is committed to conducting a thorough, prayerful, and professional search. Additional information about the search process and opportunities for community input will be shared as the process progresses. 

What is the anticipated timeline for the search process? 

Although the process is in its early stages, a search of this nature typically follows a well-established timeline. We anticipate beginning the initial recruitment and screening of candidates this fall, identifying a group of finalists, conducting finalist interviews and then selecting our next Head of School in early 2027. This timeline will provide several months for a comprehensive and collaborative transition before the new Head assumes leadership in July 2027.

Who is Educational Directions, the professional search firm assisting the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees has engaged Educational Directions, a nationally respected executive search firm that has specialized in leadership searches for independent and faith-based schools since 1986. With more than three decades of experience and over 600 successful leadership searches, Educational Directions has helped schools across the country identify, recruit, and successfully transition exceptional Heads of School, Presidents, and other senior educational leaders. Educational Directions is recognized for its thoughtful, mission-driven approach to executive search.

The firm's consultants are former Heads of School, trustees, and experienced educational leaders who understand the unique governance, culture, and leadership needs of independent schools. Our search professionals, Mathew Heersche, Dawn Nichols, and Jay Underwood, have extensive experience partnering with Catholic schools and have successfully assisted multiple Sacred Heart Schools throughout the Network in identifying and transitioning outstanding Heads of School who are deeply committed to the mission, values, and educational philosophy of Sacred Heart education.

Throughout the search, Educational Directions will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee, providing guidance, expertise, and best practices at every stage of the search process. The firm will assist in developing the leadership profile, recruiting and assessing candidates, conducting due diligence, and supporting the Board through the final stages of discernment and selection. While Educational Directions brings national expertise, a broad network of highly qualified candidates, and a proven executive search methodology, the responsibility for selecting Saint Philomena School's next Head of School rests solely with the Board of Trustees. Guided by the recommendations of the Search Committee, the Board will prayerfully discern and appoint the candidate best called to lead Saint Philomena School into its next chapter.

The Board selected Educational Directions because of its outstanding national reputation, deep understanding of independent, Catholic, and Sacred Heart education, extensive experience leading Head of School searches, and proven record of helping mission-driven schools identify leaders who honor each school's distinctive culture while inspiring continued growth and excellence. The firm’s familiarity with the Sacred Heart Network and successful partnerships with multiple Sacred Heart schools provide additional confidence that the search will attract exceptional candidates who understand and embrace the unique charism of Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart. 

What if I know someone who may be interested?

Interested candidates should contact Dawn Nichols, Jay Underwood, and/or Mathew Heersche from Educational Directions at: 

• Dawn.nichols@edudx.com
• jayunderwood@edudx.com
• Mathew.heersche@edudx.com 

Our consultants will maintain confidentiality throughout the process. 

How will the Search Committee keep the community informed throughout the search?

The Board and Search Committee are committed to sharing updates with the community at key moments in the process during the 2026-2027 academic year. All are invited to keep current with information shared on a dedicated Head of School Transition landing page that will appear on the school website.

Community members should expect communications to correspond with significant phases of the search rather than on a weekly schedule. Because executive searches require confidentiality to attract and protect exceptional candidates, there will naturally be periods when there are few public updates. The Search Committee appreciates the community's trust and patience throughout this process and remains committed to sharing meaningful information whenever appropriate while safeguarding the integrity of the search.

Why is the Search Committee composed of members of the Board of Trustees?

The selection and supervision of the Head of School is one of the Board of Trustees' most important responsibilities and is a core governance duty entrusted to the Board. For that reason, the Search Committee is composed of Trustees who have been charged with carrying out this responsibility on behalf of the entire Saint Philomena School community.

While the Search Committee is composed of members of the Board of Trustees, the search process is intentionally informed by the perspectives of the broader Saint Philomena School community. Faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders will have meaningful opportunities to share their insights about the school's distinctive culture, strengths, opportunities, and aspirations for its next chapter. Their perspectives will help shape the leadership qualities, experiences, and personal attributes that will guide the search.

This collaborative approach enables the Board to fulfill its governance responsibilities while ensuring the search reflects the values, mission, and spirit of the Saint Philomena community. Throughout the process, the Board remains committed to prayerful discernment as it seeks the leader best called to build upon the school's strong foundation and faithfully advance its Catholic and Sacred Heart mission.

Who is on the Search Committee and why were they selected? 

The Head of School Search Committee is composed of Trustees who are entrusted with safeguarding the mission, governance, and long-term success of Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart. Consistent with best practices in independent school governance and the traditions of Sacred Heart education, the Board of Trustees has appointed a committee whose members collectively bring extensive experience in executive leadership, Catholic and Sacred Heart education, governance, human resources, and organizational strategy. 

• Rhonda Landers – Chair of the Board of Trustees: Rhonda Landers brings decades of executive leadership experience, including significant expertise in executive recruitment, leadership and organizational transitions, strategic planning, and organizational governance. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, she provides overall leadership to the search process on behalf of the Board, ensuring a thoughtful, disciplined, and mission-driven process that reflects the Board's governance responsibilities and long-term stewardship of Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart. Rhonda is a parent of two Saint Philomena School graduates.
• John Bohan – Trustee Emeritus, Chair of the Search Committee: As a former Chair of the Board of Trustees, John Bohan offers invaluable historical knowledge of the school, exceptional leadership experience, and deep institutional perspective. His prior involvement in Head of School transitions and executive search processes provides important continuity and guidance throughout the committee's work. John’s exceptional board leadership during the school’s transition of sponsorship and governance further highlights his abilities and expertise. John is a parent of three Saint Philomena School graduates.
• Sr. Anne Dyer, RSCJ – Trustee and Provincial Delegate, Society of the Sacred Heart: Sr. Anne Dyer is a former Head of School and accomplished educational leader with decades of experience in Catholic and Sacred Heart education. She provides invaluable insight into the mission, charism, and educational philosophy of Sacred Heart Schools, helping ensure that the search remains deeply rooted in the school's Catholic identity and Sacred Heart tradition. Sr. Dyer is a Provincial Delegate for the Society of the Sacred Heart.
• Andrea Marone – Trustee and Chair of Institutional Advancement: A Saint Philomena School alumna and current parent, Andrea brings executive-level expertise in human resources, organizational leadership, and talent management. Her unique perspective as both an alumna and parent, combined with her professional experience in executive human resources, strengthens the committee's ability to identify and evaluate exceptional leadership candidates.
• Stephanie Devaney, J.D. – Trustee: Stephanie is a current Saint Philomena School parent, attorney, and educator serving within Catholic higher education. Her legal expertise, educational experience, and understanding of Catholic education contribute valuable perspectives to the committee's discernment and evaluation of candidates. Most notably, Stephanie is a Theology teacher and is committed to exceptional formation for children to know and feel loved by God. 

Together, the committee reflects a thoughtful balance of governance expertise, executive leadership experience, Sacred Heart mission leadership, educational knowledge, and institutional perspective. Working closely with Educational Directions, a nationally respected executive search firm specializing in independent school leadership, the committee will conduct a comprehensive national search, engage stakeholders throughout the process, and present a slate of highly qualified finalists to the full Board of Trustees for the final selection and appointment of Saint Philomena School's next Head of School.

Will there be changes to the school's mission or Sacred Heart identity in this transition?

No, not at all, in fact it will only deepen as a result of this communal process. Saint Philomena School's Catholic identity, Sacred Heart mission, and educational philosophy remain the foundation of everything we do. Those commitments are larger than any one individual and continue to guide every decision made by the Board, administration, faculty, and staff. 

What will happen during the first year with a new Head of School?

The 2027-2028 school year will be an exciting new chapter in the life of Saint Philomena School. By announcing this transition well in advance, the Board of Trustees and Brian have created the opportunity for a thoughtful, well-planned transition that allows the next Head of School to begin with the support, preparation, and momentum needed for success. In his new role, Brian will also continue to remain an active support to the Head and Saint Philomena School. 

Most importantly, the school has a dynamic and effective school leadership team model with administrators actively involved in all aspects of school life who will ensure consistency and continuity.  Most importantly, the mission, values, traditions, and daily life of Saint Philomena School will continue. Our experienced faculty and staff, strong leadership team, committed Board of Trustees, and vibrant Sacred Heart culture provide continuity that extends far beyond any one individual. The new Head of School will inherit a thriving community with a clear mission, talented educators, and a school that is well positioned for continued growth and excellence. Every leadership transition presents an opportunity to build upon a strong foundation. The Board looks forward with confidence to welcoming a leader who will embrace Saint Philomena School's mission and culture while bringing new perspectives, talents, and leadership to guide our community through its next chapter of growth and excellence. 

Where will Brian be after he concludes his time as Head of School? 

Following the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year, Brian will begin serving as the Executive Director of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada on September 1, 2027. While this role will involve travel to support Sacred Heart schools and programs, he will continue to reside in Rhode Island. Because of his geographic proximity and his deep love for Saint Philomena School, Brian intends to remain an active member of the school community for many years to come. 

In his new role, he will continue to champion the mission of Sacred Heart education and be a presence at Saint Philomena School. Most importantly, the school's next Head of School will be fully entrusted with the leadership and future of Saint Philomena School. Brian's continued presence in Rhode Island simply provides an additional source of friendship, institutional knowledge, and support as the school continues to flourish within the broader Sacred Heart network. 

What is the plan if the search does not initially identify a Head of School?

The Board and Search Committee have established a thoughtful and deliberate process designed to identify a highly qualified leader who is well aligned with Saint Philomena School’s mission, values, culture and future direction.  Our goal is to identify the leader who can best guide Saint Philomena into its next chapter.

As the search progresses, the Search Committee will continually assess the strength and breadth of the candidate pool, the effectiveness of our outreach and engagement efforts and our confidence in the overall process.  As with any executive search, we recognize that the process may need to evolve based on what we learn along the way.

If necessary, the Search Committee may adjust the search strategy, including broadening the candidate pool, expanding outreach and communications, extending the search timeline or revisiting elements of the leadership profile. These adjustments would be made thoughtfully and with the objective of ensuring that the process ultimately produces a strong and compelling slate of candidates.

The Board is committed to taking the time necessary to identify the right leader for Saint Philomena rather than compromising the quality of the appointment to meet a particular timeline. Throughout the process, we will remain focused on the same objective: finding an exceptional Head of School who is prepared to lead Saint Philomena forward while preserving and strengthening what makes our school distinctive.

How will the Class of 2028 be supported during their graduation year with a new Head of School? 

The Board and Brian have been especially mindful of the students who will be entering eighth grade during the first year of new leadership. One reason this transition is being announced so far in advance is to ensure those students experience a thoughtful and seamless handoff. The incoming Head of School will have the benefit of an entire year of preparation and transition planning. Brian will assist with the New Head of School and School Leadership Team in the high school admission process and recommendations for the Class of 2028. 

Equally important, our eighth-grade students will continue to be surrounded by the exceptional teachers, administrators, and staff members who know them well and have been walking alongside them throughout their journey at Saint Philomena School. Graduation year is a special milestone, and the school is committed to ensuring that the Class of 2028 enjoys all of the traditions, leadership opportunities, academic preparation, spiritual formation, and joyful celebrations that have long defined the eighth-grade experience. 

Our goal is that these students will remember their final year, a year of growth, leadership, faith, and celebration as they prepare for high school and beyond. As the Class of 2016 served as school leaders helping Brian when he first arrived, the Class of 2028 will have the unique opportunity to help form and inspire our next Head of School with great student leadership, spirit, and support. 

What does this mean for prospective families? 

Families exploring Saint Philomena School should have every confidence in our future. The strength of Saint Philomena has never rested in one individual; it has always rested in our enduring mission, exceptional faculty and staff, strong governance, vibrant Sacred Heart identity, and the extraordinary community that surrounds our children every day. Leadership transitions are a natural part of educational communities. Because this transition is being announced more than a year in advance, the Board of Trustees has the time and opportunity to conduct a thoughtful, comprehensive national search to identify the next Head of School. During that process, the school's mission, strategic priorities, financial strength, and commitment to educational excellence will remain unchanged.

In fact, Saint Philomena School is exceptionally well positioned to attract outstanding candidates. As a thriving Sacred Heart school with strong enrollment, excellent financial health, successful accreditation, dedicated faculty and staff, and the support of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, we believe this opportunity will be highly attractive to experienced Catholic and independent school leaders. Families choosing Saint Philomena School today can do so with great confidence, knowing they are joining a school that is thriving today and well positioned for an even stronger future.