Lower School Principal
Hangzhou International School (China)

HANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Search Associates Colleagues,

On behalf of the Hangzhou International School’s community, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jeff Hart as the new Lower School Principal beginning in July 2024. This significant appointment was the result of an extensive global search led by Search Associates.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Mr. Hart has been a devoted teacher and leader in the US, the UK, and around the world. Currently, he holds the position of Head of School at Clavis International Primary School in Mauritius, where he oversees the implementation of the PYP program. His extensive background, including expertise in data-informed instruction, school leadership development, and student digital portfolios, will be valuable additions to Hangzhou International School.

Mr. Hart's educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at York University, Toronto, Canada, where he majored in English and minored in Humanities. He then pursued a Bachelor of Education (Primary-Junior: PreK-6) from the University of Toronto (OISE), in Canada. Taking his commitment to education further, he obtained a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, England.

Mr. Hart will be accompanied to Hangzhou by his wife, Ms. Melanie Hart. Ms. Hart, a highly skilled and experienced educator will be joining the school in the capacity of Early Years teacher.

In his communication to the community, the Superintendent, Mr. Jeffry Stubbs remarked: “We are thrilled that the concerted search process has resulted in the successful appointment of Jeff Hart. I particularly want to thank all our students, parents, faculty, national staff, and leadership that participated in the panel meetings with our Search Associates consultants and candidates.  As HIS continues to grow and face different opportunities and challenges, we felt we needed to give this process our utmost commitment with maximum input and feedback.  Both Dr. Ayers and I feel this process was particularly successful in galvanizing support for our school to move forward with specific targets and next steps for our school.”

In accepting the position, Mr. Hart stated: “I am thrilled to join the vibrant community of Hangzhou International School, with their dedicated students, staff, and families. The school's remarkable commitment to learning, shaped by over two decades of hard work, is truly inspiring. It is an honor to become a part of this team. HIS holds immense potential for future innovations and developments, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute. I look forward to collaborating with the HIS community to help chart new destinations for our collective journey ahead. Having already connected with some of the leadership, teachers, parents, and, most importantly, the students during the interviews, Melanie and I are eager to meet everyone else. We are deeply grateful for the trust the school has placed in us, and we look forward to a wonderful experience in our years ahead at HIS. Thank you.”

Hangzhou International School and Search Associates wish to thank each of the candidates who expressed interest in this important position, and everyone who contributed to the success of our extensive search process.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eric Sands, Senior Consultant

Dr. Diana Martelly, Senior Consultant

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