Letter to the community from the Search Committee 6/1/2022

A message from Ron Mihills and Bill Chapman, co-chairs of the CA Head of School Search Committee:

As you know, Julie Duvall has shared that the 2022-2023 school year will be her last as Head of School at Chesapeake Academy.

Julie has been an integral part of the CA community from the time she stepped on campus 19 years ago as a parent of three young children. As a volunteer, Julie served as CAPPA President in 2004-2005 and Board Secretary in 2005-2008. In 2008, she became Academic Dean and began teaching classes. She was appointed Assistant Head of School in 2013 and selected to serve as the 11th Head of School in 2017.

Julies energy, passion, and vision has shaped and advanced Chesapeake Academy in countless ways. Over her many years at Chesapeake Academy, Julie has implemented programmatic advancements in technology, curriculum development, and differentiated instruction. She had the vision and coordinated the design, fundraising, implementation, and completion of the Arts and Innovation Hub, which has contributed to Chesapeake Academys outstanding reputation, while also serving as a resource for the entire community. She led the revision of the mission statement to align it with the schools philosophy, accreditation of the school, strategic planning, and successful fund development, all which result in strong enrollment and financial stability.

Over the last two years of a pandemic, Julie has maintained an exceptional academic experience for Chesapeake Academy students. While many educational institutions were forced to implement remote learning and reduced hours, Chesapeake Academy was able to provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment, which was only possible through the collaboration of teachers, parents, and students.

The Board of Trustees is dedicated to finding a new Head of School who will continue the strong leadership foundation Julie has built and has appointed a Search Committee comprised of current and past CA trustees, parents, and community leaders. (See committee member bios below.)

This committee, guided by a search firm, will be conducting a comprehensive and inclusive process in the search for the next Head of Chesapeake Academy.