Today, it is with mixed emotions that we share news about two exceptional leaders in our organization, Claudia Barker, our Chief Development Officer, and Tom Shepley, our Chief Academic Officer.

Claudia Barker, after 12 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment, has decided to retire from full-time work at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Claudia has been an invaluable member of our team, driving our development efforts with passion, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of our mission, securing millions in private gifts and competitive public funding over her tenure. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ, and we are immensely grateful for the transformative impact she has had on our organization.Ìý Additionally, Claudia has played a pivotal role as the Executive Director of the Edible Schoolyard, where her visionary leadership has cultivated a thriving environment that connects students to food, the natural world, and community through hands-on garden and culinary classes and events.

Similarly, Tom Shepley, our esteemed Chief Academic Officer, will be concluding his time at FirstLine in the summer of 2024. Tom’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the academic excellence that defines ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ. His dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation has left an indelible mark on our community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Tom for his tireless efforts in elevating the educational experience for our students.Ìý Tom has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ, crafting robust priority plans that have provided clear guidance and focus for the entire organization. His collaborative efforts with the greater FirstLine team have resulted in the successful implementation of systematic phonics instruction in lower grades, targeted reading interventions across all grades, and innovative math protocols. These initiatives have not only enhanced the overall educational experience but have also led to significant gains in student performance metrics.

As we bid farewell to Claudia and Tom, we also recognize the need to ensure a seamless transition in leadership. The search for successors to both roles has officially begun. We are committed to finding individuals who share our vision for educational excellence, community engagement, and the continued growth of ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ.

We invite all members of our community to recommend great candidates for these roles as we identify the next leaders who will guide us into the future. Our interview process will include a variety of stakeholders for the roles, and your feedback is invaluable as we seek individuals who embody the same passion, dedication, and commitment to our mission that Claudia and Tom have demonstrated throughout their tenures.

On behalf of the entire ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ community, we express our deepest gratitude to Claudia and Tom. Their contributions have been immeasurable, and while we will miss them dearly, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for ¼ÓÀÕ±Æ.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this transition and work together to ensure a bright future for our organization.