Leadership Transition

On Monday, June 12, 2017, the Forsyth School Board of Trustees announced that Head of School Michael J. Vachow has resigned effective June 6. Mr. Vachow was appointed Head of School in 2007. “We appreciate Mike’s service to Forsyth School and the community, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Board Chair Nida Bockert.

“I have been honored to lead this remarkable school for ten years. The vibrancy that characterizes Forsyth’s approach to learning captured me the moment I set foot on campus in 2006,” said Mr. Vachow. “Forsyth will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful to have stewarded the school for my time,” he added. “I know with absolute conviction that it will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Director of Business Affairs Lisa Dunaway has assumed responsibility for operational aspects of the School until an Interim Head can be appointed, a process expected to be completed before the start of the 2017/18 school year.

“The Board of Trustees will immediately begin a search for a new Head of School and will assemble a search committee to find a leader who will take Forsyth School to the next level,” stated Incoming Board Chair Eric Gilbert. The search process, which will involve faculty and staff, parents and Board members, may take up to a year or longer. “It’s no surprise that our strong School community, including faculty and staff, have risen to the occasion,” said Ms. Bockert. “We’re all looking forward to beginning the search process.”

Mr. Gilbert, who is the first Forsyth School alumnus to serve as chair of the Board of Trustees, asserted, “I know firsthand what a remarkable school Forsyth is. With the engagement and support of the Forsyth School community, I share the Board’s confidence that we will be successful in our quest to find a talented Head of School to build on Forsyth’s heritage. This is an exciting opportunity for the School.”