After years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions to our school community, Paula Smith, our current Head of School, will be retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. We are thrilled to announce our current Assistant Head of School, Jen Vary, will be assuming the role of Head of School starting July 1, 2024.
Head of School
Paula Smith
With deep gratitude, I write to share the news that I will retire from my position as UCDS Head of School at the end of the coming 23/24 school year. It has been a great joy to serve our community over the past 27 years, surrounded by teachers, staff and families who share my love for this vibrant community.
(Click arrow to read full letter.)
(Click arrow to read full letter.)
UCDS Board of Trustees Chair
Amy Smith
Few, if any of us, have ever known UCDS without Paula Smith. After 27 years as the UCDS Head of School, Paula has communicated her intent to retire in June 2024 and assured us that the school she so thoughtfully built and nurtured has the leadership necessary to carry her life’s work forward.
(Click arrow to read full letter.)
(Click arrow to read full letter.)
Succeeding Head of School
Jen Vary
We are honored and excited to announce that the UCDS Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Jen Vary to succeed Paula Smith as Head of School beginning July 1, 2024. Our vetting process confirmed what we already believed about Jen and her nearly two decades of UCDS service: that she’s collaborative, strategic and passionate about both UCDS’ mission and its culture.
(Click arrow to read full letter.)
(Click arrow to read full letter.)