Head of School Retirement Announcement

Head of School Updates May 24, 2023May 25, 2023

Dear Menaul School Community,

I am writing to announce that I will retire as President and Head of Menaul School effective July 1, 2023.

I have been planning this transition for some time and am retiring to four great personal opportunities. I will have the time to travel with my wife, Laurie, and visit my seven grandchildren across the U.S. and world. Time to help manage my K9 Luxury Pet Resort; time to chase wild birds with my French Brittany Spaniels, Chaco and Tex; and time to simply enjoy life in our lovely Cedar Crest Mountain home, Pinon Paradise.

Despite knowing that I move on to family, challenge, and adventure, this is still a bittersweet announcement for me. Being an educator is an integral part of who I am and what I have done for more than four decades. I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished since I first assumed my position. The state of the school is strong, and its future is bright.

Menaul School has had a banner year, the culmination of 17 years of hard work and strong leadership. I am proud of many things:

• We embody our mission to create whole-person success in Mind, Body, and Spirit.
• We continue to exemplify our faith; rooted in the open and inclusive Presbyterian Church and in partnership with PCUSA, the Synod of the Southwest, and the Santa Fe Presbytery. 
• We’re proud to be ranked the #1 Christian School and the #5 school in New Mexico.
• We founded traditions that are core to our community, including the middle school camping trip, Menaul Challenge, Mission Week, Tributes at Commencement, Golden Graduates, faculty social events, and our whole community enjoying our chef-prepared meals at lunch.
• The heart of Menaul School is a “high challenge-high support” community that nurtures a socially and economically diverse student body. Many of our students are the first in their family to attend university. We are growing in academic strength with 14 AP courses and over 140 tests given this year compared to just a dozen two years ago.
• We fundraise over $1 million each year, money which goes directly to scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that a Menaul School education is within the grasp of all who will work for it.
• We successfully reopened our boarding program in 2010 with the goal of recruiting students from around the world. We rebranded and transformed our community to become “World Smart” with students and faculty representing Albuquerque, the Navajo Nation, numerous Pueblos, and five continents. 
• We have tripled our revenues, opened new funding streams, and thrived economically during a time when other small private schools are struggling and shrinking.
• We have remodeled almost every space on campus. (Keeping a 127-year-old campus looking bright, modern, and attractive is itself a full-time job.)
• We have over 230 students this year, the highest enrollment in over 20 years which includes students from 28 different countries making us the United Nations of prep schools in NM.
• We have had four international partner schools over the years with one very successful program going strong for nine years – Menaul School Qingdao in China.
• Our sports teams have built a culture of success, winning district championships or qualifying for state in all seven of our varsity sports this year.
• Our arts program is inspiring and excellent, with deeper engagement and stronger gallery work than ever before.
• Our performing arts programs expanded to new heights and Menaul had our first ever member to make the All-National Choir.
• At 53 graduates, the Class of 2023 is the largest and one of the most successful in recent history, with all graduates planning to attend college and over $1.8 million awarded in scholarships. 

This is my 65^th year walking God’s good earth. I have been teaching or in school leadership since I was 21.

God gave me a vision in 2004 that we should be here in Albuquerque, and it happened when Menaul School called me after a national search.  This school’s mission heart captured me the day I set foot on campus. I am blessed to have been able preside over a renaissance in its reputation and culture.

My life is rich.  It starts with the knowledge and presence of a living God in my life.  My Lord Jesus has sustained me through amazing challenges and opportunities.  I have relied on Him daily for strength to lead.  The next support comes from Laurie, my wife and partner of almost 42 years.  We have served together effectively and happily in five different schools.  She is a master teacher and has helped me deepen my understanding of how great teachers inspire and love their students.

The other great accomplishment in my life is raising five amazing children, one of whom is a proud Menaul School graduate! After these achievements in my life comes the joy of helping to lead Menaul School.

Every change in leadership comes with challenges.

This move has come with the gracious support of The Menaul School Board of Trustees. They are exploring the option of an interim leader while they undertake the complex search for Menaul School’s next President and Head of School. Although I am excited about my opportunities in retirement, I am still saddened to leave this dynamic, delightful, transformational community behind.

Menaul School boasts the finest educators in town and the most amazing students I have been gifted to work with in my life. Laurie and I have loved our time at Menaul School. The rich relationships we have built with the Board of Trustees, parents, friends of Menaul School, faculty, staff and students will reward us for our lifetimes. We certainly consider it the most significant work of our lives.

I will be praying and cheering on the students, the school, and its future!

Mr. Lindsey R. Gilbert, Jr. 

President and Head of School