SRS New Head
From The Outlook, March 2008
St. Richard's School announces the selection of Patricia Swenson to serve as Head of School beginning July 1, 2008. Patricia comes to Indianapolis from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she has served as Head of Trinity Episcopal Day School, a pre-kindergarten through grade five day school, for the past 28 years.
Patricia is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University. A lifelong educator, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Masters of Education in Learning Disabilities with a certification in administration.
Patricia's selection comes after a lengthy search process in which a committee of board members, school parents, the rector and many Trinity parishioners, and faculty interviewed candidates. Three finalists were invited to Indianapolis, and each spent three days on campus visiting with students, faculty, and parents. Patricia impressed the community with her commitment to the education and formation of the whole person, her experience working in Episcopal school settings and her warmth and humor. Board president Steve Robinson commented in a letter announcing Patricia's selection, "Every reference we checked and every discussion we had with Patricia made clear that her focus is squarely on the students. She spoke to us about the importance of providing a safe, secure, and loving environment while giving children the respectful discipline they seek in order to flourish. We believe that Patricia is the right fit for what we seek?to offer our students an educational environment that is both nurturing and rigorous."
Patricia commented, "I am so very blessed to have been selected to serve as the next head of St. Richard's School. During my recent visits to St. Richard's I was amazed by the rigorous academic program, coupled with such a warm environment... truly a place where children are reaching their fullest potential. I immediately knew that I would love to become a part of this great educational institution."
St. Richard's School is the only Episcopal day school in Indiana. The school offers classes for ages three through eighth grade built around five pillars for lifelong learning?faith, classic curriculum, leadership development, global readiness, and civic responsibility. For more information, visit the Web site at www.strichardsschool.org or contact Melinda Fisher, director of admissions, at (317) 926- 0425, ext 134.
