Daniel Paradis, a top administrator at a private school in McLean, Va., has been named the new head of The Park School of Baltimore.
“We chose him because we felt he was a visionary leader,” said Jim Wyda, chairman of the search committee that unanimously chose Paradis.
“He is a remarkable educator with a track record of proven success in curriculum change,” Wyda said. “We believe his education and administrative leadership skills are a perfect fit for a very successful school.”
Paradis, who will replace Michael Eanes, interim head of the school, comes to Park from the Potomac School, where he has been head of the upper school since 2000.
At Potomac, Park officials said, Paradis helped increase enrollment and played a key role in fundraising for a $32 million project that revamped the building for the upper school.
Paradis helped start a service-learning program that included a project in which students helped build a school in Africa.
He had also served as academic dean at Potomac, where he has worked since 1992.
Park officials cited Paradis? strengths as a community builder and his experience with initiatives related to the environment and globalization.
Paradis, whose appointment takes effect July 1, will become the ninth leader of the 900-student Park School, founded in 1912.
Josh Fidler, president of Park?s board of trustees, said Paradis? selection concludes an extensive search involving faculty, staff, students, parents and the community.
“Dan Paradis? exemplary educational and administrative leadership skills, in combination with his wisdom, integrity and commitment to progressive education, make him a powerful fit for Park and the overwhelming choice to lead the school into its second century,” Fidler said.
Paradis received his bachelor?s degree in East Asian studies from Princeton University and a master?s in history from Brown University.
