About Us
Head of School Search
Since 1970, Southfield Christian School has been a Christ-centered, college-preparatory community committed to growing disciples for Jesus Christ. As we seek the leader for our next chapter, we press forward with that same commitment to academic rigor, spiritual growth, and excellence for the glory of God.
Pursuing Excellence for the Glory of God... with Our Minds, with Our Talents, with Our Lives
Head of School Search
Our Search for the Next Head of School
Southfield Christian School is conducting a prayerful and comprehensive search for its next Head of School: a Christ-centered leader who will build upon SCS's strong foundation and lead the school into its next chapter.
The SCS Board and Head of School Search Committee are partnering with Vanderbloemen, a nationally recognized Christian executive search firm. Feedback from faculty, staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders will help shape the leadership profile and guide candidate evaluation.
Our Mission
Partnering with Christian families to educate and equip students to pursue their God-given purpose and impact the world for Christ.
Partnering with Christian families to educate and equip students to pursue their God-given purpose and impact the world for Christ.
Search Partner
Committee Chair
Dr. Tonisha Lane
Current Phase
Discovery & Community Engagement
New Head of School Begins
2027-2028 School Year
The Process
How the Search Works
Our anticipated timeline. Select a phase to learn more.
We are here
Fall
Discovery & Community Engagement
- Stakeholder listening sessions
- Leadership profile development
- Search launch
Learn more ›
Winter
National Recruitment
- Candidate sourcing and recruitment
- Application review
- Initial interviews and assessments
Learn more ›
Early Spring & Spring
Candidate Evaluation & Selection
- Semifinalist and finalist interviews
- Board selection, offer, and acceptance
- Announcement of the next Head of School
Learn more ›
Summer
Transition & Onboarding
- Leadership transition planning
- Orientation and onboarding
- Preparation for the new school year
Learn more ›
Fall
Discovery & Community Engagement
The search begins with listening and learning. During this phase, stakeholder feedback is gathered to better understand the strengths, culture, opportunities, and future leadership needs of Southfield Christian School. These insights are used to develop a comprehensive Head of School Leadership Profile that will guide the search.
Winter
National Recruitment
Once the leadership profile is finalized, Vanderbloemen conducts a national search to identify and recruit qualified candidates. Applications are reviewed, and candidates participate in a series of screenings and interviews to evaluate their experience, leadership abilities, and alignment with the mission and values of Southfield Christian School.
Early Spring & Spring
Candidate Evaluation & Selection
The Search Committee reviews and evaluates candidates throughout the process, participating in interviews and assessment activities. Finalists are recommended to the SCS Board, which has the responsibility for selecting the next Head of School.
Summer
Transition & Onboarding
Following the selection of a candidate, the Board and Vanderbloemen will support a thoughtful transition and onboarding process to help ensure a successful start for the new Head of School and continued momentum for the school community.
Next Milestone
Head of School
Leadership Profile
Leadership Profile
Now in development and shaped by community feedback, the profile will describe the qualities we seek in our next Head of School, including significant K-12 leadership experience.
Coming Soon
Throughout the search, Southfield Christian School is committed to a process characterized by prayer, discernment, integrity, confidentiality, and clear communication.
Search Updates
October 12, 2026Leadership Profile in Development›
The Search Committee and Vanderbloemen are drafting the Head of School Leadership Profile, shaped by community feedback.
Read the full update ›September 28, 2026Vanderbloemen Visits SCS›
Vanderbloemen met with Board members, school leaders, faculty, staff, students, and parents to hear their hopes for SCS's next Head of School.
Read the full update ›September 23, 2026Head of School Search Announced›
The SCS Board formally announced the search for the next Head of School and introduced the Search Committee to the SCS community.
Read the full update ›September 2026Vanderbloemen Selected as Search Partner›
The SCS Board selected Vanderbloemen, a national Christian executive search firm, to partner in the search.
Read the full update ›Pray With Us
Join Us in Prayer
Prayer is the foundation of this search. Join us in praying through each week of our 18-week prayer calendar.
This Week · Week 4
Crafting the Head of School Search Profile
Pray for discernment as Vanderbloemen and the Search Committee synthesize feedback from faculty, parents, and administrative leaders into the official Search Profile.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him..."
Full Prayer Calendar
Discovery & Community EngagementWeeks 1-6›
Week 1 · Unity Across Leadership & Search Committee
Pray for profound unity between the Search Committee (chaired by Dr. Tonisha Lane), Board Chair Troy Green, GraceWay Bible Church leadership, and school administrators during this transition.
Psalm 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"
Week 2 · Vision for Recombined Head of School Role
Pray for a clear, Scripture-rooted vision as SCS merges operations and PK-12 academic leadership back into a single Head of School role, honoring our 50-year college-preparatory legacy.
Habakkuk 2:2: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it."
Week 3 · Freedom from Personal Agendas & Launch Visit
Pray for wisdom during stakeholder focus groups with Chris DeArman and Vanderbloemen Search Group, setting aside personal preferences to prioritize the spiritual and academic growth of students.
Philippians 2:3-4: "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Week 4 · Crafting the Head of School Search Profile This Week
Pray for discernment as Vanderbloemen and the Search Committee synthesize feedback from faculty, parents, and administrative leaders into the official Search Profile.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him..."
Week 5 · Faithfulness to a Biblical Worldview and Doctrinal Commitments
Pray that the profile accurately reflects SCS's biblical foundation, agreement with GraceWay Bible Church doctrine, and commitment to biblical worldview integration across all grade levels.
Ephesians 4:11-13: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people..."
Week 6 · Sourcing Launch & Trusting God's Timing
Pray for broad national outreach across Christian educational networks and trust in God's perfect timing as sourcing opens publicly for candidates.
Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."
National RecruitmentWeeks 7-10›
Week 7 · A Shepherd's & Educator's Heart in Candidates
Pray that as applications arrive, the committee identifies candidates possessing genuine spiritual maturity, a heart for discipleship, and proven K-12 instructional leadership.
John 10:14: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."
Week 8 · Patience & Discernment in Candidate Screening
Pray for spiritual discernment as the search team reviews candidate files, video submissions, and calibration slates with Vanderbloemen.
1 Kings 19:12: "And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
Week 9 · Confidentiality, Integrity & Discerning the Pool
Pray for strict stewardship of candidate confidentiality, building deep trust between the committee, board, faculty, and school community.
Proverbs 11:13: "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret."
Week 10 · Encouragement for Transitioning Leaders & Current Faculty
Pray specifically for retiring Head of School Will Guerra, Director of Instruction Sue Hoffenbacher, and HR Director Mary Ellen Alfredson. Pray for peace over faculty amidst transition.
Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"
Candidate Evaluation & SelectionWeeks 11-16›
Week 11 · Authenticity & Gospel Diversity in Interviews
Pray that interview panels showcase SCS's vibrant culture, college-prep academic rigor, and gospel-centered vision of belonging and diversity to top candidates.
Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Week 12 · Courage & Insight in Semi-Finalist Interviews
Pray for wisdom and courage during semi-finalist interviews to ask candid questions regarding culture, crisis leadership, budget management, and biblical worldview.
Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you."
Week 13 · Discernment Between Finalist Candidates
Pray for wisdom as the committee evaluates finalists with varied leadership backgrounds, ensuring character, competence, and mission alignment remain paramount.
Philippians 1:9-10: "That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may discern what is best."
Week 14 · Holy Spirit Confirmation & Candidate Calling
Pray that both the finalist candidate and Southfield Christian School experience mutual, clear Holy Spirit confirmation regarding God's call to lead SCS.
Romans 11:29: "For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable."
Week 15 · Provision & Peace for the Candidate's Family
Pray for God's tangible peace over the candidate's family as they navigate practical relocation details: housing in Metro Detroit, schooling, and personal transition.
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Week 16 · Community Readiness & Warm Welcome
Pray that school families, faculty, and GraceWay Bible Church cultivate hearts ready to extend a warm, supportive, and generous welcome to our incoming leader.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."
Transition & OnboardingWeeks 17-18›
Week 17 · Complete Unanimity as the Call Is Extended
Pray for complete unanimity across the Board, GraceWay Church leadership, and Search Committee as the formal offer is extended and finalized.
Romans 15:5-6: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other..."
Week 18 · Onboarding Structure & Thanksgiving for SCS's Future
Pray for wisdom in structuring onboarding overlap with outgoing leaders. Offer prayers of praise for God's faithfulness, looking ahead with hope toward SCS's future.
Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Search Leadership
Roles & Responsibilities
Vanderbloemen, the Search Committee, and the SCS Board each play a role in the Head of School search. Select a group to learn more and meet its members.
About VanderbloemenExecutive search partner›
Vanderbloemen serves as Southfield Christian School's executive search partner, providing expertise, guidance, and support throughout the Head of School search process. Drawing on its experience in faith-based leadership searches, Vanderbloemen works alongside the SCS Board and Search Committee to identify, recruit, assess, and present highly qualified candidates.
Vanderbloemen has completed over 3,500 staffing assignments and interviewed more than 25,000 candidates who are passionate about furthering God's mission.
92
Primary/Secondary School Clients
53
Head of School Searches
70
Searches Completed in Michigan
3,500+
Total Searches Completed
50 | 10
States | Countries
Vanderbloemen is the only Christian executive search firm that is part of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), an invitation-only organization recognized for its rigorous standards, commitment to excellence, and for accrediting the best search firms in the world.
Vanderbloemen is responsible for:
- Facilitating the search process and providing strategic guidance throughout each phase.
- Conducting stakeholder listening sessions and helping develop the Head of School leadership profile.
- Actively recruiting and cultivating qualified candidates from across the country.
- Reviewing applications and conducting initial candidate screenings and interviews.
- Assessing candidates' leadership experience, competencies, and alignment with Southfield Christian School's mission and values.
- Presenting qualified candidates to the Search Committee for consideration.
- Conducting reference checks and supporting due diligence efforts.
- Advising the Board and Search Committee throughout the finalist selection process.
- Assisting with offer negotiations and onboarding planning for the selected candidate.
The Head of School Search CommitteeAppointed by the SCS Board · Seven members›
Appointed by the SCS Board, the committee works alongside Vanderbloemen to keep the search thorough, prayerful, and mission-aligned.
Members
Dr. Tonisha Lane Chair
Board Member; SCS Parent
Mr. Troy Green
Board Chair; SCS Parent
Mr. Jeremy Ervin
GraceWay Elder Liaison; Alumni Parent
Mrs. Akua Wright
Board Member; SCS Parent
Mrs. Loriel Archer
Elementary Dean; SCS Parent
Mrs. Shara Marbry
MS Director of Academic Services; SCS Parent
Dr. Tressa Matthews
High School Principal; Alumni Parent
What the Committee Does
- Gathers feedback from the SCS community
- Defines what we seek in our next Head of School
- Reviews and evaluates candidates
- Takes part in interviews and assessments
- Protects confidentiality and integrity
- Recommends finalists to the SCS Board
Southfield Christian School BoardResponsible for selecting the next Head of School›
The SCS Board has the ultimate responsibility for selecting Southfield Christian School's next Head of School. The Board oversees the search process, appoints the Search Committee, and works closely with Vanderbloemen to ensure the search aligns with the school's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
The SCS Board is responsible for:
- Providing overall leadership and oversight of the search process.
- Defining the goals and priorities for the search.
- Appointing and supporting the Search Committee.
- Reviewing recommendations presented by the Search Committee and Vanderbloemen.
- Conducting final discernment and decision-making regarding the selected candidate.
- Extending an offer and overseeing the transition and onboarding of the new Head of School.
Through prayerful leadership and stewardship, the Board seeks to identify the individual best equipped to lead Southfield Christian School into its next chapter while faithfully advancing the school's Christian mission, nurturing students' spiritual growth, and upholding its commitment to academic excellence.
School Board Members
Troy Green
Chair
Jennifer Brightwell
Vice Chair
Rachel Veldman
Secretary
Candice Bazuin
Bijoy Bhaskaran
Cherika Harris
Tim Judge
Tonisha Lane
Kurt Martin
Rhonda Rudolph
Akua Wright
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the community be involved?›
Community input will be gathered through meetings, conversations, and opportunities for feedback during the discovery phase. These insights will help shape the leadership profile and identify priorities for the school's next Head of School.
When will the new Head of School be announced?›
The goal is to announce the selected candidate following the completion of finalist interviews, references, and Board approval. The new Head of School is expected to begin serving in the 2027-2028 school year.
Can current SCS employees or GraceWay Bible Church members apply?›
Yes. Current employees and church members are welcome to apply and will be considered through the same process as external candidates. To ensure fairness and consistency, all candidates will be evaluated using the same application, screening, interview, and assessment procedures.
Once the position is posted, current employees and church members must submit their application through the designated job search portal, just as external candidates will. Information about the application process and timeline will be shared at a later date.
Where can I find updates?›
Updates will be posted regularly on this page as the search advances through each phase. See Search Updates above for the latest news.
Get in Touch
Questions?
We welcome your questions and feedback throughout the search. Use the form below to reach the SCS Board and Head of School Search Committee.
Located in Southfield, Michigan, Southfield Christian School is a private Christian school educating young men and women in grades Preschool-12. Students benefit from a challenging, college-preparatory education grounded on the principles of the Bible, Southfield Christian School seeks to prepare young people to live full and productive lives.
A Ministry of GraceWay Bible Church
A Ministry of GraceWay Bible Church
