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A Letter from Dan Vorenberg

Dear Kiko,

I am writing to you in your capacity as Chair of the Mirman School Board of Trustees to announce my intention to retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. I can say with all candor that, in what will be a 45 year career in education, my tenure at Mirman will remain my most memorable. I am very proud of what Mirman has accomplished over the past 60 years, and I feel honored to have played some small part during the past 10 years in advancing our institutional identity and strengthening Mirman’s reputation as we continue to strive to do the very best we can for Mirman’s families, faculty, staff and most importantly, our students.

Given my affection for and commitment to Mirman and all its many complexities under our aspirational mission, sending this note to you remains among the most difficult decisions I have made in my career. I believe that Mirman is beginning a journey of renewal and innovation that will propel Mirman students even further in their quest for wisdom and knowledge, and yes, a desire to find their place in this world.

On a personal note, I want to extend to you and the entire Board of Trustees, both past and present, my undying gratitude for your thoughtful guidance, unwavering support, kindness and above all, the courage our Mirman School Trustees have displayed in the face of some of the most challenging times in American (and global) history.

During the past 10 years it has been inspiring to see the synergy of a committed Board of Trustees, a dedicated and talented executive leadership team and faculty and staff achieve the many goals of Mirman School. Increases in enrollment, demand, philanthropic giving, and faculty and staff growth and professionalism have complimented two major Capital Campaigns that have and will transform both sides of our beautiful campus. Mirman’s commitment to inclusion and our insistence on striving for a sense of belonging for all community members speaks to one of our essential institutional priorities. Our successful CAIS accreditation followed by the way this community negotiated the pandemic is an affirmation of the resilience and desire for renewal so essential for any organization moving forward. Most importantly to me however, is the overall development and stewardship of Mirman students and the ongoing strength of the Mirman faculty. I cannot say enough about the students and professional community that assemble each day on Mirman’s campus. It has been a privilege to have served in my role here, and I am very confident Mirman faces a very bright future indeed, so clearly evidenced by this celebratory 60th year.

It’s generally considered best practice in schools, when possible, to inform the Board of Trustees 18-20 months prior to a Head’s retirement as there are many steps in the process to secure Mirman’s next leader by Autumn of next year (followed by about six months of preparedness for both the incoming Head and the community). With a start date of July 1, 2024, this will give all of us time to aid in the transition of Mirman’s next Head of School.

In the interim, I am committed to seeing our current institutional agenda (including the initiation of our third Strategic Plan) through to completion. I remain fully committed to Mirman School through June 30, 2024, at which point I will hopefully begin serving on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff.

It is bittersweet to write this note to you, Kiko, as we begin, in the words of mystery writer Raymond Chandler, “the long goodbye.” Being a member of this community has truly been one of the great personal and professional joys of my life.

With respect and appreciation,

Dan Vorenberg,

Head of School

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A Letter from Dan Vorenberg

HOS Search Committee