Tom Reid
EAST MARLBOROUGH — The Upland Country Day School Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Thomas J. Reid as Upland’s next head of school, effective July 1, 2014.
The appointment follows an extensive and rigorous nationwide search launched last September. Reid will be the eighth permanent head of school in Upland’s 65-year history, succeeding Interim Head of School, Archie Douglas.
“We could not be more excited about what Tom’s leadership will mean for the future of Upland,” said Upland Board President and Chair of the Search Committee, Mary Pat Fralick. “We were very thorough in the search process. Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and current students all participated in the interview process. We sought a proven leader whose experience and background would align with Upland’s tradition and mission. Tom Reid is that kind of leader and more.” The Search Committee enthusiastically presented Reid to the Board for appointment and the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the recommendation.
Reid has more than 25 years experience as a head of school. He currently serves as the interim head of school at Palmer Trinity School, a 670-student, grade 6-12 school in Palmetto Bay, Florida. Prior to his position at Palmer Trinity, he served as headmaster at St. Paul’s School, a K- 12 all boys school in Lutherville, Maryland for 11 years.
During that time, Reid led the school in the achievement of the International Baccalaureate World School designation, a rigorous academic program that encourages students worldwide to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners. Prior to his role at St.Paul’s, Reid spent 14 years as the headmaster of Buckley Country Day School, an elementary school in Roslyn, New York. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was the President of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools and the Vice President of the New York State Association of Independent Schools. While Reid’s chief responsibilities throughout his career have been in school leadership, he has also taught history and served as director of athletics and as an ice hockey coach.
Reid is no stranger to Upland Country Day School. He first became acquainted with Upland in the late 1970s through his relationship with the late Dr. John Cleveland, Upland’s Head of School from 1962-1981. Dr. Cleveland launched the school’s 35-year long Finnish Exchange Program and Upland’s rich ice hockey tradition. At the time, Reid was a young coach leading the Wissahickon Skating Club in Philadelphia and competed against Upland’s hockey team a number of times.
“My experiences with Upland and Jack Cleveland were inspiring,” Reid said. “He was the consummate competitor and gentleman. It was obvious he loved hockey but he valued even more the lessons one could teach through the game. I am grateful to this day for the example he provided me as a young teacher and coach. Jack was way ahead of his time in education circles, recognizing the value of global education well before it was in vogue and utilizing sports as a means for providing cross-cultural and life-changing experiences.”
Reid was also a founding director and past president of Ice Hockey in Harlem, an after-school program offering athletic, academic and social services to Harlem’s youth. That program is now in its 26th year.
“Tom Reid understands Upland as a school in both its rich historical context and its capacity to excel in today’s educational environment,” Fralick said.”We look forward to welcoming him in July as he leads us into an exciting new era.”
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Reid began his educational career in 1973 as a history teacher at the Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia. From there he moved to the Pomfret School in Connecticut, during which time he earned his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut.
In accepting the head of school appointment, Reid said,“Since first visiting Upland years ago, my wife Ann and I have had great respect for the school and its mission. When I recently returned to the school to meet with the search committee, I could sense the same spirit and character.The energy and devotion of the Board and faculty were clear to me, and I’m looking forward to working together with them to make Upland the best possible educational experience for its students.”
Upland Country Day School is distinctive for the clarity, purpose and outcomes of its program. Since 1948, Upland has combined a core curriculum focused on combining the development of fundamental academic skills with the basic principles of balance, full participation, and citizenship. The result is a dynamic school environment where students learn to strive and thrive, a place that establishes a solid foundation of critical skills and confidence in preparation for the inevitable unknowns of the century ahead.
For more information about Mr. Reid or Upland Country Day School, visit the school’s website at www.uplandcds.org.
