Dear Crossroads Academy Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dan Morrissey as Crossroads Academy’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2021. The Board’s decision to appoint Dan was based on the enthusiastic, unanimous recommendation from the Head of School Search Committee, and informed by a thoughtful and deliberate search process that included input from faculty, staff, parents, and friends of Crossroads, as well as extensive reference conversations.
An educational leader with thirty years of experience at Phillips Exeter Academy, Baylor School, Western Reserve Academy and Cushing Academy, Dan brings enthusiasm for and commitment to our School’s Core Knowledge and Core Virtues mission. Dan speaks with conviction of content as key for a student’s academic development, and he sees the school’s virtues-based character education with its emphasis on respect, kindness, compassion, and justice as foundational to a strong community.
Dan has served in a variety of leadership and teaching roles in quality independent schools. His stellar track record is one that derives not just from analytical and organizational abilities, but from his talent for building strong, authentic relationships with students, their parents, faculty, and colleagues. A Head of School, who worked closely with Dan shared that “Dan’s greatest strength is his strong student-centered approach. Dan has a genuine interest in working with students, and he sees things through the lens of what’s best for kids.” A colleague noted, “Dan always has a smile on his face. He will go the extra mile to know all the kids.” As the Search Committee members got to know Dan through interviews and his numerous references, they recognized the strong match between his relational, positive, warm style and the Crossroads Community.
Dan’s experience positions him well to serve as a compelling ambassador for the School, and to support and guide our students, families, teachers and staff. The Board is excited about working with Dan during his transition to Head of School, and confident that his tenure at Crossroads will be marked by great success and a strong sense of community.
The Board recognizes with great appreciation the contributions of Acting Head of School Jean Behnke, who selflessly returned to Crossroads to lead the school and whose experience and calm, kind demeanor has brought so much positivity during a difficult time. We thank her for her tremendous leadership and service to the school!
The Crossroads community has been fortunate to have a highly dedicated, thoughtful group of individuals serving on the Search Committee. The Board extends our heartfelt thanks to our Search Committee and to our faculty, staff, parents, and friends for their active engagement and continued support of the school. Please join us in welcoming Dan to the Crossroads community. He is eager and enthusiastic about returning to New Hampshire, getting to know our community, and serving as Crossroads’ Head of School.
Sincerely, David Kahn
Chair, Board of Trustees
