Message from CFS Board of Directors

March 18, 2024

Dear Members of the Church Farm School Community,

 

We are writing today to let you know that after 15 years of service to our school's unique and vital mission, as well as his many historic contributions to our community, The Reverend Edmund K. "Ned" Sherrill II will be departing as Head of School at the end of this school term.

 

Ned has been an inspiring leader and CFS's loudest cheerleader. In many ways, Ned was the important leader and visionary we needed in 2009, bringing new energy and ideas that could successfully transition the school to the future while honoring the ninety-year legacy of the Shreiner Family. What our founding family instilled in mission service on day one, Ned took to the next level into a new era, while facing new challenges and determined to forge new opportunities. Through Ned's leadership, the school lives more deeply in its ethos and commitment today -- inspiring boys, fulfilling dreams.

 

Ned helped our school take critical steps forward throughout his tenure as CFS Head, recruiting a more diverse and best-in-class group of teachers, administrators, and board members. Oriented to the success of every scholar, he and his team have maintained the highest accreditation standards and produced Strategic Plans that ensure the continuous development of the school's educational program and residential community. Moreover, the school made meaningful modern campus updates during Ned's tenure—adding a one-megawatt solar power grid, state-of-the-art and ADA-accessible facilities, greater safety for pedestrian mobility on campus, and a new all-weather track and turf field that helps us compete for and attract top student-athletes.

 

Through Ned's leadership, the CFS endowment has doubled in value while providing our scholars with over $100 million in direct tuition assistance. His leadership and fiscal stewardship have ensured that CFS will be around for another hundred years to launch the success of young men with unique character and promise from all walks of life.

 

Finally, the school has also been vastly supported by Ned's stalwart partner, Lizette, who opened the Head of School home, welcoming scholars, families, colleagues, board members, visitors, and occasional strangers into the CFS family. Ned and Lizette have been our trusted partners since they arrived in 2009, and we offer them our deepest gratitude and best wishes.

 

As we reflect on all the significant contributions Ned has brought to our community, we appreciate his tireless passion and know that we have made great strides in our mission under his leadership and friendship.

While we are saddened that the Sherrills are leaving, we are excited for our next chapter. We have begun a search for an Interim Head of School and the next permanent Head of School. Rest assured, that process will be purposeful and intentional, taking full advantage of this opportunity to let our unique identity, diversity, and mission attract our next Head of School "to the farm." We will continue to update you as we have important information to share.

 

We remain deeply grateful for your continued trust and confidence.

 

Best Regards,

 

Matthew J. Burns, Chair, CFS Board of Directors          Vincent J. Napoleon, Vice Chair, CFS Board of Directors