Dear Editor,
I am writing to you regarding The Phillipian’s Article “Student Reflections on Kington’s Leadership as HOS Search Begins,” dated 20 February 2026.
At the outset, I first express my deepest appreciation to the Co-Authors, Sophia Fang and Winston Wu, for writing this timely and crucial article, and to the other students who provided their insightful reflections about Dr. Raynard S. Kington’s mandate as the Sixteenth Head of School of Phillips Academy.
I seek to write this correspondence to elaborate on certain points in my reflection.
First, on the “…need [for] a leader who comes from within,” I believe the Trustees of the Academy must prioritize a Candidate with extensive experience not only in leading boarding schools but also in truly engaging with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This means finding a leader who is willing to listen, learn, and co-lead Andover with its community.
That is why I propose that the Trustees identify Candidates for the Head of School mandate from within. Andover has numerous faculty who have spent decades at this institution, including some who entered as students and chose to devote their entire careers to this place. These experienced staff and faculty have led Andover, with many having prior appointments as Deans, Department and Division Heads, and other administrative positions.
There is no reason for the Trustees to hire a costly search firm to externally source candidates for the Head of School who do not have the requisite experience to lead Andover successfully. The experience of teaching, living, and engaging with Andover is the most valuable asset a candidate can bring to qualify for this sacrosanct position, and we have ample faculty and staff who possess this distinguished experience.
For far too long, this Academy has failed to communicate effectively with the student body, leaving many of our community members, including myself, feeling that their perspectives were neither valued nor meaningfully considered in the Academy’s decision-making.
This cannot be the new norm for the next Head of School. The position of Head of School is respected and valued because of the authority the students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni grant; without us, there would be no Head of School, nor would there be Phillips Academy.
The Core Blue of the Academy states that students must “[l]ive cooperatively … sharing the responsibilities inherent in living together, without adversely affecting others.” I believe the same principle must extend to the position of Head of School, where one is willing to lead by example and co-lead this Academy by working constructively and cooperatively with all community members.
I seek to publish my letter today because I know that The Phillipian is read by the very people who can change this pattern.
To the Trustees of Phillips Academy: as you begin the process of electing who will lead Andover, I challenge you to demonstrate the principle of non sibi by appointing a Head of School who will co-lead and co-create Andover with us.
Signed,
Jaewon Choi
