by Alice Littlehale ’26
The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and the students surveyed and do not reflect the views of University School of Nashville or the Peabody Press.
USN has begun its search for the new Head of High School. StratéGenius surveys have been sent out, and the administration is holding meetings with families, and top will be visiting in weeks to come. The Peabody Press sent out a Google Form aiming to get specific answers from students directly, and to publicize the student body’s input on what they’re looking for in a candidate for the position. We had 46 responses, and twice as many female respondents as male respondents. Most students rated their experience at the USN highschool an eight out of ten.
Our first question asked what students believed to be the most important characteristic in a Head of High School. Responses varied, but a few key ideas showed up repeatedly. The traits students valued most were leadership, visibility/connection to students, transparency, empathy/understanding, and listening to students. Two students also mentioned maintaining USN’s academic rigor as the trait they considered most important. An anonymous respondent remarked on the importance of “ensuring that USN remains a top school.”
Respondents then submitted questions that they would ask a potential candidate for the position. Many questions submitted by different students had a common theme.
Nine submitted questions about what a candidate would bring or change. Chloe Cmelak ‘24 said she would ask, “What are your plans to change USN for the better?”
Four students asked about equity and inclusion. Jackie Seale ‘27 asked, “What decisions or actions would you take to create a fully inclusive, kind, and diverse environment at USN if it is not already so?”
Many students wrote variations of, “Why do you want to work as Head of High School?” or said they would want to know what made a specific candidate qualified.
Five students wanted to know how willing a candidate would be to listen to, and be transparent with, students.
“How are you going to communicate to the students about the changes you are making to the school?” senior class president Josie Whelan ‘24 asked.
Another respondent said, “How would you communicate with the student body to make sure the students’ voices and opinions are heard?”
Some students who asked to remain anonymous asked, “How will you ensure that USN remains a top tier school?” and “I would ask them what their response would be to specific past school controversies, and see how they would approach or respond to them.”
Eleven students wanted certain recent policy decisions to be reversed.
Six respondents wanted the old gradebook system back. Alondra Martinez Ordaz ‘26 said, “I would most definitely want them to change the snapshots, just go back to showing cumulative grades and quarter grades. I, and many others as I’ve heard before, have discussed many cons that this snapshot has provided, I don’t really understand why it was necessary to make this and so many other changes in such a compact amount of time.”
Charlie Hall ‘27, the ninth grade vice-president, responded, “The majority of [our] grade wants to see our grades at all times. We are more stressed not knowing what it is.”
Three students wanted the new absence policy reworked, and two wanted the old English 10 curriculum back. Several again mentioned student input.
Three wanted more care for students, three wanted an improved discipline system, two wanted better sports, and the rest had individual change ideas from introducing key fobs for students to making it easier for students to take advanced courses.
Respondents concluded with any final advice they had for the candidate taking on the position. Responses varied here as well.
Evan Ozgener ‘24 said, “Observe and connect with students, then act.”
Kylee Abramson, ‘24 said, “Talk to the students…
Olivia Westfall ‘27 said, “Be friendly and interactive with students, be polite, and always just listen.”
So, what are students looking for in the new head of high school? They want them to be visible and friendly with students. They want transparency and to understand when and why decisions are made. They have many different opinions, some of which conflict. They still want their individual voices listened to. Above all, they want someone who will create change for the better (and send as few emails as possible).
