Saratoga Independent School names new leader

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Board of Trustees of the Saratoga Independent School (SIS) has named Lisa Brown as its Head of School.  Brown had been serving as Interim Head of School since July 2017.

Prior to coming to SIS, Brown served as Associate Head of School at Doane Stuart School from 2000-2017.  During her tenure, she also served as Interim Head of School from 2012 to 2014 and as Head of the Lower and Middle Schools from 1993-2000.

In addition to her experience as a school administrator, Brown has taught pre-school, elementary, and upper school classes and has received the prestigious honor of being named an Edward E. Ford Foundation Fellow by the National Association of Independent Schools Leadership Program for Aspiring School Heads.  Brown attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, after which she received a bachelor of arts degree in Art History from the University at Albany and a masters degree in education in Reading from the College of Saint Rose.

Brown comes to SIS at a time of significant growth, with the addition of a middle school beginning in fall 2018.  SIS will add sixth grade this fall, seventh grade in fall 2019 and eighth grade in fall 2020.  SIS – located on a 60-acre campus at 459 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs – currently serves 140 students in preschool through fifth grade.

Brown is also focusing on expanding educational opportunities for students by forming new partnerships with local organizations.  In December, the school partnered with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Skidmore College to host a week-long residency of the Decoda Chamber Ensemble at SIS.  Students and world-class musicians composed a new school song and performed it as part of a concert held at the historic Bethesda Episcopal Church in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Jesse Schwartz, chair of the SIS Board of Trustees, stated, “We’re thrilled to have a veteran independent school administrator at the helm at SIS.  She is uniquely qualified to navigate SIS forward through continued growth, further elevating our rigorous academic program and enrichment opportunities, and strengthening our ties with the local community.”  Schwartz chaired the board’s search committee, which completed a thorough, comprehensive process over the last several months to identify the school’s new leader.

Lisa Brown, Saratoga Independent School’s new head of school, stated, “SIS is a school with a strong culture, a place to which people form powerful emotional attachments. I find it particularly exciting to be involved in the school at a time when there are so many significant thresholds to be crossed and so much creative energy and collaboration fueling our work.  I am honored to serve the SIS community and look forward to all that we can accomplish together.”

SIS parent Julie Fuller of Saratoga Springs stated “Lisa Brown’s experience and passion educating children has brought a new level to the already challenging curriculum.  By partnering with professional arts organizations, SIS is enriching learning for its students.  We are thrilled to have her leading our school.”

Saratoga Independent School is currently in the midst of its enrollment process for the 2018-2019 academic year, with openings available in preschool through sixth grade.  Families interested in learning more may attend an open house at the school on Thursday, January 18th at 9:00 am or contact the school to schedule a visit.