Welcome From Head of School & Governance
Welcome!
Transformation happens here, intentionally and inevitably, and it is truly my privilege to be a part of a school that provides the opportunities and support our students need to succeed as learners and people.
For more than 70 years, McLean has helped children develop their roots, and their wings: grounded in best practices and community while building skills, confidence, and independence. Here, learning comes first, and students are seen, supported, and celebrated for becoming their best selves. I am proud to be part of an educational tradition that has not only evolved with the times but also very often led the way with innovative pedagogy and programs that serve as a model for others.
Everyone has a unique story that brings them to McLean, including me. When asked “Why McLean?” I reflect on little Barry Davis, my seven-year-old self, and the struggles he had academically, never feeling like school was the place for him. I think of my two sons, Alex and Jordan, who each would have significantly benefited from the small class sizes and the Abilities Model®.
I think of the pride and passion associated with the many achievements garnered in an environment where one is truly known and appreciated for who they are as an individual, and of never again hearing someone say you can’t, but instead focusing on the many ways you can.
McLean is inspirational and most definitely transformational. I invite you to learn more.
Warmly,
Barry L. Davis
Head of School
McLean School Board of Trustees Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging Statement
At McLean School, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) is central to our mission and a pillar of our long-term Strategic Plan.
The Board of Trustees maintains a dedicated Committee that leads the Board’s engagement on these issues by supporting the School’s efforts, setting priorities for the Board’s own goals, and providing the Board with resources to help Trustees develop the knowledge and understanding that inform our efforts to serve a diverse and vibrant school community.
As Trustees, we are forever mindful of our responsibility as stewards of McLean’s future, and the role that DEIJB plays in our vision. We are committed to seeking diverse perspectives in the composition of our Board and giving those experiences value and voice. We resolve to lead with respect and understanding and encourage all stakeholders to embody this in their interactions within our community. We are committed to continually learning and evolving to build a more equitable and inclusive future for generations of McLean students to come.
Board of Trustees
Dev Talvadkar, Chair
Mary Murphy, Vice Chair
Matthew McNally, Treasurer
Meredith Shears, Secretary
Donna Orem, Chair, Governance Committee
Clare Anderson
Barry L. Davis, Head of School
Jeremy Dresner
Dr. Mark Granada
Beth Ising
Brian Jacobson, President, Parents Association
Greg Mallory
Aaron Perlis
Joy Arnold Russell
David M. Edelstein
Jennifer S. Danish
Sam Buffone, Jr.
Sara Love
Jennifer Wolfsheimer
Discover the McLean Experience
It’s critically important for a child to be in a school that respects them for who they are, and supports their academic strengths and challenges. This has always been true for McLean.