Leelanau School names Robert C. Hansen as 15th head of school

From staff reports

The Leelanau School, the experiential learning private high school in Glen Arbor, has hired Robert C. Hansen to be its head of school — the 15th in Leelanau’s history. The hiring followed a nationwide search which produced numerous qualified candidates from all over the country to fill the head of School position. The Board of Trustees ultimately selected Hansen, a Leelanau County resident and head of The Pathfinder School as the most qualified to be the school’s next leader beginning in July 2018.

Hansen was first a parent of The Pathfinder School, and then a board member, before becoming Head of School in 2012. He leaves after establishing a new strategic vision, expanding their instructional program, strengthening the arts, implementing a counseling program, improving student success, growing enrollment, fundraising and balancing Pathfinder’s budget. Prior to his time at Pathfinder, he was the Supervisor of Instructional Services at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District and Technology and Data Integration Specialist.

Hansen began his career as a scientist after obtaining a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from University of Illinois. He returned to school to pursue his Master’s Degree in Education from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids realizing that education was his passion. He taught in both Bullock Creek High School in Midland and in Northport Public Schools before moving into administrative work.

Hansen sought this position in part because he believes that Leelanau County can become a model for what an ideal education looks like. Hansen says, “I have seen Leelanau School students and alumni in action. Their self-confidence, joy and leadership are apparent. I know the reputation and dedication of The Leelanau School faculty and have deep professional and personal admiration for the administrative staff.”

“We were fortunate to find an outstanding leader who has experience and thoroughly understands the culture and mission of The Leelanau School,” said Carolyn Helmlinger, board chair and co-chair of the search committee. “Rob has classroom experience, financial acumen, and a plan to grow our school through collaborations, curriculum enhancement and program visibility.”

Hansen will follow JD Friley at The Leelanau School, who plans to retire from education at the end of the school year. Coincidentally, Friley also served in a leadership position at The Pathfinder School from 2000-2006. As The Leelanau School’s leader since July 2016, Friley was responsible for the re-accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS) and the completion of the first phase of a Strategic Plan, as well as continuing to improve financial stability and enrollment practices at Leelanau.

“Throughout the process, I have been impressed with Rob’s passion and energy and love of learning,” said Friley about Hansen. “As a strong champion of independent schools, Rob truly exemplifies our mission to ‘ignite our student’s passion for learning.’ It has been exciting to watch him engage with our faculty and students and to consider all that is possible for Leelanau’s future.”

The Board of Trustees made the choice for Hansen from an original slate of 20 candidates from all over the country. A specially appointed Search Committee narrowed the pool to four semi-finalists and brought two to campus to meet students, faculty, staff and Board members. The Search Committee of 12 individuals met for 16 months and was made up of parents, alumni, faculty and administrators, local business leaders and board members.

Hansen will continue his post at The Pathfinder School and begin his tenure at The Leelanau School after the end of the school year in June 2018. He leaves Pathfinder with solid enrollment numbers, balanced budgets and strong educational programs.