Head of School Search

After more than 8 years of dedicated service to Clarksville Academy, Jennifer Hinote has decided to retire in July of 2027. This page will serve as a central resource for updates on the search process, key milestones, and opportunities for the community to engage.

Working with a clear focus on the school’s mission and direction set by the current strategic plan, the search committee will seek a leader prepared to build on the strong foundation established under Mrs. Hinote’s leadership. The search will begin immediately, with the goal of appointing a new Head of School in time for a smooth transition prior to the start of the 2027–28 academic year. The Board is committed to a thoughtful process with meaningful opportunities for community input.

Mrs. Hinote will continue to serve fully through the end of the fiscal year on July 31, 2027, ensuring continuity and an orderly transition for students, faculty, staff, and families.

Meet the Search Consultants

Commonly Asked Questions

In a September announcement to the CA community, Jennifer Hinote announced her decision to retire in July of 2027. Mrs. Hinote has served as Head of School since 2018, first as interim and then permanently. Under Mrs. Hinote’s leadership, CA advanced its mission of building lives of purpose through tradition, academic excellence, and enduring connection. During her tenure, she and her team solidified the school’s fiscal position, led the successful completion of the Maynard Academic Center, developed a comprehensive strategic plan focused on student experience, faculty excellence & experience, board excellence, and financial sustainability along with many other initiatives that strengthened the school’s academic and community life.

A hallmark of her tenure was leading CA through a rigorous review process that culminated in accreditation by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) in 2023. The SAIS visiting team specifically commended Mrs. Hinote for her leadership and vision, particularly in the area of financial sustainability, along with the school’s transparency, balanced budgets, faculty retention, and strong sense of community.

The new Head of School is expected to take office on August 1, 2027.

A search committee appointed by the Board of Trustees will work with an external search consultant (The Education Group) to identify and recommend a new Head of School to the full Board for approval.

The committee is composed of the following members:

  • Jay Smith – Chairman, Board of Trustees, alumni class of 1999
  • Nathan Hunt – Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, current parent
  • Sam Gentry – current board member and current parent
  • Cindy Hallums – current board member, alumni class of 1999
  • Paige Eisemann – current parent, educator, Cougar Booster Board President
  • Brad Martin – former board member, alumni class of 1981

After reviewing proposals from several nationally recognized search firms, the Board of Trustees has selected The Education Group (TEG) to assist us in this important work. Founded in 1988, TEG works with independent schools nationwide on executive search, leadership transitions, and executive coaching. We were particularly impressed by TEG’s personalized approach, extensive experience in independent school leadership searches, and commitment to understanding the unique culture and needs of Clarksville Academy.

Bob Veto and Katherine Stuart will serve as consultants to the search committee. Bob brings decades of independent school leadership experience and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Heads of School and boards. Katherine, President of The Education Group, has led numerous Head of School and senior administrative searches and brings extensive experience guiding schools and search committees through leadership transitions.

While the formal evaluation process will be led by the search committee, CA community input will be essential. The Board sent a survey to students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff to provide initial feedback.TEG were on campus in October and met with various constituent groups. More details on how the community can engage will be shared as the search progresses.