Jon R. Hall
Summary
Experienced and dynamic independent school leader with over 20 years in PK–12 education. Specializes in advancing institutional sustainability and enhancing school culture through collaborative governance and financial stewardship. Builds strong relationships with boards, faculty, families, and community partners to guide organizations through growth and change with a focus on student-centered outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of School
Media-Providence Friends School
Media, Pennsylvania
2019.07 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership across academics, finance, advancement, enrollment, operations, and community engagement.
- Partner closely with the board of trustees to ensure short and long term sustainability of the school.
- Manage a $3.4 million operating budget while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
- Added a successful two-year-old program to the preschool.
- Reduced annual operating expenses by more than $200,000 through strategic contract negotiations, restructuring business operations, bringing financial management in-house, renegotiating outsourced CFO services, and transitioning technology providers.
- Secured a one million dollar gift for a new playground and science lab.
- Successfully led the school through the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining educational continuity and community stability.
- Implemented a comprehensive faculty evaluation and professional growth system that strengthened instructional quality and accountability.
- Led a thorough campus security initiative, including implementation of ALICE protocols, electronic access control, upgraded perimeter security, and safety enhancements throughout campus.
- Established a highly visible leadership presence by maintaining daily engagement with students, faculty, and families throughout the school community.
- Provided learning specialist support to enhance educational resources for students with diverse learning needs.
Head of School
Westfield Friends School
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
2016.07 - 2019.06
- Provided executive leadership for all aspects of school operations while partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to advance the school's strategic vision.
- Added a successful two and three-year-old program to the existing preschool.
- Directed academics, finance, enrollment, advancement, operations, and faculty leadership.
- Secured $150,000 gift for faculty compensation and professional development.
- Secured $150,000 gift for student programming, safety, and mindfulness training.
- Created fundraising initiatives, including annual gala and golf outing, generating $130,000 in new revenue.
- Led development efforts in the absence of a development director.
- Reduced student attrition by 47% in the first year despite a 24% tuition increase and achieved an additional 35% reduction the following year.
- Expanded student opportunities through new programs including robotics, coding, electives, expanded service learning, and middle school Meeting for Worship.
- Clarified governance roles by successfully redefining Parent Council as a fundraising and community support organization while reinforcing appropriate governance structures.
Assistant Head of School / Head of Middle School
Montgomery School
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
2011.07 - 2016.06
- Provided leadership for the middle school while serving as a member of the senior administrative team.
- Supervised faculty, athletics, counseling, and middle school operations to ensure a cohesive educational environment.
- Led faculty evaluation, mentoring, and professional development initiatives, enhancing instructional quality and teacher effectiveness.
- Chaired the school's successful PAIS accreditation process.
- Served on Finance, Enrollment, and Advancement Committees.
- Developed innovative academic programs including robotics and student electives.
- Managed middle school budgeting and secondary school placement, aligning resources with student needs and future academic paths.
Head of Middle School
The Pegasus School
Huntington Beach, California
2010.07 - 2011.06
- Led academic and operational initiatives for middle school, overseeing faculty, guiding curriculum development, supporting student needs, and engaging parents.
- Developed curriculum aligned with educational standards and student needs.
- Supervised faculty, fostering professional development and collaboration.
- Organized school events to promote community engagement and student involvement.
Adjunct Professor
Cabrini College
2009.02 - 2010.06
- Delivered graduate courses in school law, instructional leadership, supervision, and evaluation, fostering critical thinking and practical application among students.
- Graduate School of Education
- Developed course syllabi aligned with academic standards and institutional goals.
- Facilitated engaging discussions to promote critical thinking among students.
- Evaluated student performance through assignments and examinations using established criteria.
Head of Upper School
Girard College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2005.08 - 2010.06
- Led academic programming and supervised faculty to enhance student engagement and academic success while managing student life and directing upper school operations.
Associate Head of Upper & Middle Schools
Girard College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2000.12 - 2005.08
Education
Certificate in School Leadership and Management -
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, MA2027-05
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership, Management & Policy
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJMaster of Education -
University of Vermont
Burlington, VTBachelor of Arts -
Vermont State University
Lyndonville, VTSkills
- Advancement & Fundraising
- Enrollment Strategy & Retention
- Financial Stewardship and Budget Management
- Strategic Planning & Vision
- Faculty Leadership & Development
- School Safety & Risk Management
- Crisis management
- Board Governance & Trustee Relations
- Organizational Change Management
- Accreditation & Continuous Improvement
- Community and Constituent Engagement
Board Leadership
- The Friends Collaborative, Chair, Governance Committee, 2022-2025
- The Friends Collaborative, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, 2023-2025
- The Meadowbrook School, Trustee, 2022-2025
- The Sage School, Trustee, 2023-Present
Timeline
Head of School
Media-Providence Friends School
2019.07 - Current
Head of School
Westfield Friends School
2016.07 - 2019.06
Assistant Head of School / Head of Middle School
Montgomery School
2011.07 - 2016.06
Head of Middle School
The Pegasus School
2010.07 - 2011.06
Adjunct Professor
Cabrini College
2009.02 - 2010.06
Head of Upper School
Girard College
2005.08 - 2010.06
Associate Head of Upper & Middle Schools
Girard College
2000.12 - 2005.08
Certificate in School Leadership and Management -
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership, Management & Policy
Seton Hall University
Master of Education -
University of Vermont
Bachelor of Arts -
Vermont State University