Head Of School

Vandermont is a groundbreaking co-educational day Kindergarten-12th grade Christian independent school in a market with a growing population and a limited supply of high-quality educational options that truly meet the needs of 21st-century learners.
Vandermont is headed to be nationally recognized for academic excellence within an environment that truly values, trusts in, encourages, strengthens, and celebrates each student's uniqueness.  
The mission, "At Vandermont, through our personalized learning paths, we empower inquisitive students to develop their interests and God-given abilities to achieve their highest goals while inspiring them to learn confidently and lead purposeful lives," will add value to an already thriving community in Rockwall County, Texas. 
The School is in an 11,000 square foot space on 4 acres in Royse City, TX, near Rockwall, with grades Kindergarten- 10th grade to grow to K-12 over the next two years. Permanent land and buildings to accommodate 400 students in grades K-12 are in future plans.  In three short years of existence, the school has become fully accredited K-12  by Cognia, curriculums approved by the NCAA, are members of the College Board, joined TAPPS, and also approved by S.E.V.I.S., though currently, the school does not have any international students.  
The vision calls for Vandermont to be an incubator for developing high-functioning learners capable of success through a hands-on inquiry-based curriculum undergirded with solid skills development and Christian values for character development. At Vandermont, the student is at the center of all decision-making, and the goal of the school is to employ research-driven pedagogy and programming to graduate young adults ready to live life with principles, courage, and the growth mindset needed to live a life of purpose and meaning. 
The Head of School will work closely with the founders to continue growing Vandermont, leading the School's curriculum development, establishing a school culture, and building and maintaining a high-functioning team aligned with the mission and vision. 
THE AREA
Rockwall County, Texas, has an estimated population of 113,653, which has grown by 4.00% in the past year. The northeast Dallas suburb made it into the top five on Money's list of the Best Places to Live in America 2020.
Money ranked communities based on factors such as safety, cost of living, and diversity. Rockwall has experienced 19 percent job growth over the past five years and is projected to grow another 17 percent in the next five. The city's recovery from pandemic-related job losses contributed to its ranking. The local unemployment rate was 7.2 percent compared to a national average of 11.1 percent.
Rockwall's super-walkable downtown district has a small-town vibe, with historic false-front buildings and a broad variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. In the summer and fall, live music events liven up San Jacinto Plaza, while the Rockwall Farmers' Market attracts visitors from all over the Dallas metro area.
Currently, public schools are bursting at the seams, and the growth trend assures Vandermont has the projected growth trend necessary for the success of a newer school. With a median annual income of $93,269 and an estimated $44,539 annual cost of living, there are a plethora of opportunities for the school's success.
GOVERNANCE
The Head of School will report to the Board of Trustees. Currently, with no plans for change in the immediate future.  The Board is the Founder plus two other Directors, with no desire to run the school via a large governing Board.  The school personnel works together well and fosters a laid-back environment, with everyone working hard to achieve personal and team goals.
FOUNDER
Mandy Goggans of Rockwall, TX, is the School's founder. Her husband serves as a background investor/advisor, and Mandy is the visionary and driving force behind the School's mission and vision. 
Mandy is a proud Mom to two sets of twin boys, a wife of sixteen years, and an entrepreneur who dedicates each day to her family and living an intentional, productive, and meaningful life. Education has always been a passion, and through research, development, and an unwillingness to settle, Vandermont was born. 
Her interest in education led her to certifications in Montessori teaching and brain-based child development. She brings this knowledge to her founding vision, and along with her positive outlook and effervescent personality, she will make a solid thought partner and valued teammate for the Head of School.
When Mandy incorporated Vandermont as a 503(c)3 not-for-profit, she created a school that is fresh, fun, and in every way, fabulous. Her vision of an intentional school, blending pencil and paper with up-the-minute adaptable data-driven technologies in open learning studios where personalizing the learning experience for each student takes place in a stable and nurturing Christian school, is just a moment away from reality.  Whoever is appointed as the Head of School will surely enjoy the added benefit of a true partner who will do anything possible to support the Head's success.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
There is wide scope for the Head of School to determine strategy, programming, the school's culture, and team, since the founder herself is not a professional educator (although trained in the above-mentioned programs and working with respected consultants and advisors). The team of educators the school has is flexible, fun, engaging, creative, and supportive.  The Head will be responsible for ensuring the successful continuation of the growth and sustainability of Vandermont.
She/he will be responsible for overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations and working with the Founder and her advisors to establish Vandermont's long-term vision and mission. 
Specifically, the role will involve the following responsibilities:
Leadership The successful candidate will be focused on: 
Developing the School's curriculum and programs. Promoting the School and benefits of progressive Christian education to parents and students; Maintaining the School Culture Leading the faculty to embrace the Vandermont mission Articulating the benefits of the School to stakeholders and candidates for admission Assisting in admissions, marketing, fundraising, and teacher professional development with the aid of the Founder and team. Educational & Organizational Leadership Establishing/Maintaining Vandermont's reputation for academic excellence and innovation within a Christian worldview Creating an institutional culture that is reflective of the school's mission and values Attracting and retaining a diverse population of highly motivated students, Team & Resource Management Recruiting, developing, and retaining extraordinary teachers. Cultivating a goals-oriented, collegial, and high-performance teaching staff Overseeing responsible financial and resource management. Participating in Phase II site preparation, overseeing space planning to determine required building and construction needs for optimal learning and safety. External Engagement
Assuming a leadership role in fundraising alongside the Board of Trustees. Cultivating a diverse and inclusive student body and staff through broad outreach. Establishing strong relationships with the parents and neighborhood communities. Representing Vandermont in the greater Rockwall, Rockwall, Fate, North Dallas Community, assuring the School visibility and a reputation above reproach.  CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Educational & Organizational Leadership
Entrepreneurial, risk-taker able to meet the day-to-day demands and opportunities of a start-up (school finished the third year as of May 2024). Passionate believer in and advocate for progressive education with an ability to persuasively articulate its advantages. Dynamic speaker with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience developing an innovative and successful program with an understanding of existing research and best practices for project-based learning and/or an understanding of Montessori or Reggio Emilio, a plus.  Team & Resource Management
Proven ability to establish a high-performing, collaborative team by nurturing and retaining talented staff. Experience working successfully with a board of trustees or founder is ideal. Exposure to financial management, cross-departmental budget planning, as well as scenario modeling and forecasting. External Engagement
Proven ability to network with the general public representing a non-profit organization. Experience/ Personal Qualities
Master's Degree and at least 5 years in a School or non-profit environment that serves children. Devotion to living a principled life grounded in the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ. Growth mindset Works well on a team Flexible with a sense of humor APPOINTMENT PROCESS & TIMING
The Head with be appointed by the Board of Trustees. 
Applications should include a resume and letter of interest addressing the candidate's qualifications to serve as Vandermont's Head of School and what is motivating your application at this time. A list of 5 professional references with their email addresses should be included. Please provide the requested material in a single PDF document and email applications to Mandy Goggans () with the email title "Vandermont". 
This is an unprecedented fast-track search process. The school is aware of the unorthodoxy of the hiring-to-school-starting-back timeline. Successful candidates will not be from the ordinary candidate pool, as this is an extraordinary school and leadership opportunity. Non-traditional candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified candidates will be contacted immediately for a Zoom interview, possibly followed by a visit to Rockwall to meet with the Founder and see the school. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.
Vandermont is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, sex, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. 
About Vandermont
Vandermont is a K-12 innovative project-based Christian School accredited by Cognia. We believe and strive to reimagine education to serve our students better. Our dedicated team of passionate educators is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionize how we teach and learn. We are committed to providing personalized, innovative, and faith-based education that empowers our students to excel academically while preparing them to lead purposeful lives.
Connections working at Vandermont