Mid-Pacific Institute, a private school in Mānoa Valley that serves preschool through 12th grade students, has begun a global search for its next president. Meanwhile, outgoing president Paul Turnbull, Ph.D., readies for a new role and state to call home next summer.
The school’s board of trustees has created a search committee for the role led by Chris Dods and Denis Isono, as well as activated executive search firm Resource Group 175, which specializes in recruiting leadership for independent schools.
According to the school, Resource Group 175 has assisted before with recent searches for Mid-Pacific school principals.
“Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given close consideration,” Mid-Pacific said in a written statement to Aloha State Daily. “They will be competing with what is expected to be a very competitive national and international pool of candidates for the Mid-Pacific school president.”
What is the school looking for in its next leader? Someone with “the vision needed to build upon our foundations for years to come,” said Dods, Mid-Pacific board of trustees member and Presidential Search Committee co-chair, in a statement. He notes that the school is “is driven by values that honor ‘ohana, creativity, innovation and a deep sense of belonging.”
“We believe education should prepare young people not just for college and careers, but for lives filled with meaning and purpose,” he added.
Established in 1908, Mid-Pacific is a pioneer of project-based and interdisciplinary learning (MPX) in the state. The school is known for programs such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Mid-Pacific School of the Arts, including its hula program Pūpūkahi I Ke Alo O Nā Pu, taught by Kumu Hula Michael Lanakila Casupang, which ASD visited last year.
The sentiment around Turnbull’s departure is sad, but forward-looking, among those who’ve worked with him over the years.
Since joining Mid-Pacific as its ninth president in 2013, he put the school on the map at the national level for innovation and research and helped develop college and business partnerships here and abroad, his bio states. Next July, Turnbull will take on his new role as Head of School at Cary Academy in North Carolina.
The school anticipates appointing its next president on July 1, 2027, though, is open to discussing a July 1, 2028, start date when appropriate.
“If an interim president is needed for the 27-28 school year, that decision will be made later in this next school year. No decision has been made,” Mid-Pacific told ASD.
What does is the school’s board of trustees most looking forward to about the search and future of Mid-Pacific?
“An inclusive search process that actively engages the schools multiple stakeholders; that affirms Mid-Pacific’s leadership among Hawaiʻi’s independent schools; that identifies a next president who will build upon Paul Turnbull’s 14-year legacy of achievement; and a process that will galvanize our school community around an exciting vision for educating the next generation of Mid-Pacific students.”
Those interested can view the Position Statement and apply here by Friday, Sept. 4.
For more information about the search, visit midpac.edu.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
