Indian Creek Announces New Head of School

These past few months, the faculty of Indian Creek have been interviewing candidates for the position of Head of School. Each candidate had time to tour the school, meet some students from both campuses, and have a meetings with faculty, staff, and parents. On January 24, the search came to a close when the Board of Trustees of Indian Creek announced that Richard Branson had been appointed to the position.

                Mr. Branson attended the University of Oregon, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Journalism. He has taught several grades in subjects including AP Literature. In 2005, Mr. Branson left the country to teach at the International School of Curitiba in Brazil. Currently, he is the headmaster of The Hokkaido International School in Sapporo, Japan. The staff of Hokkaido praised him for having good communication skills, inspiring teachers, and providing them with a clear vision of the school; all traits that we value at our school as well.

                The students, parents, and faculty alike seemed to really enjoy Mr. Branson’s visit, and he was able to meet with groups and answer questions. Student groups decided that they were, “really enthusiastic about him, and liked him a lot.” Apparently, Mr. Branson was the only Head of School candidate who, while interviewing a group of middle school students, was able to help the kids to branch away from their prepared questions and engage in a relaxed, real conference session. At a reception here at the Upper School for faculty and parents, where they noted that he, “understands the challenges that we face such as two campuses, development, and competition,” and that he, “seemed wise and intelligent, with a passion for learning.” With strong positive feedback from all members of the ICS society, it seemed clear that Mr. Branson would fit our school community perfectly.

                Personally, Mr. Branson is married and has three children. He and his wife are returning to live in the United States after six years of living abroad. He is excited to begin his new role, stating in a public letter that he is, “thrilled to become a part of the Creek community.”

                When Mr. Branson officially becomes the Head of School on July 6, 2011, he will be replacing Interim Head Lila Lohr, who took on the position after the retirement of Anne Chambers, who founded Indian Creek and was the Head for over thirty years. Expect to see him around the campuses this spring, when he returns to take other tours and get to know more Creekers.

-Katie Brodt, Editor-in-chief