Head of School Search

Dear Penn Charter Community,

The last few weeks have been filled with moments of celebration, reflection and accomplishment. From inspiring concerts and performances to the energy of Color Day to three beautiful end-of-year ceremonies celebrating our fifth, eighth and twelfth grade students and families, each event has highlighted the talents and achievements of our students and the dedication and compassion of our faculty and staff. Together, these milestones showcase the remarkable work taking place every day across academics, athletics and the arts, and we are grateful for all who supported and guided our students all year long.

The change of one school year naturally brings reflection and anticipation for the year ahead. As we look toward the future, we are writing to share an announcement about school leadership. After three years of dedicated leadership and service to Penn Charter, Karen Warren Coleman will be stepping away to pursue other professional opportunities and next steps in her career. Her tenure as head of school will end on June 30, 2026.

We are grateful for all that Dr. Coleman has achieved during her time at Penn Charter. This includes hiring several members of an exceptional senior leadership team, enhancing safety and security protocols on campus, and gathering essential knowledge and insights to help inform upcoming strategic planning efforts. She led a successful reaccreditation process in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), initiated the work needed for our Quaker Self Study and membership renewal process with the Friends Council on Education, and contributed significantly to the opening of the Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School. She departs with a number of improved systems in place that will benefit the institution for decades to come.

And, of course, she will remain forever undefeated on PC/GA Day. 

We have engaged Carney Sandoe & Associates, a nationally recognized search firm specializing in executive search for independent schools, to identify an interim head of school this summer. During this period of transition, board leadership will support a small group of school leaders to ensure smooth school operations. This group will include (in alphabetical order):

• David Brightbill, Associate Head of School
• Kathleen Clinchy, Director of Middle School
• Stephen Graham, Chief Financial Officer
• Thu-Nga Morris, Director of Lower School
• Josh Oberfield, Interim Assistant Director of Upper School
• Marcy Sosa, Assistant Head of School 

The strength, experience and dedication of our leadership team provide a solid foundation for the institution during this period of transition, and we have full confidence in their stewardship.

We are grateful to Dr. Coleman for her leadership of our community, and we wish her the best in what we know will be impactful future chapters. We are committed to keeping our community informed, and in the coming weeks, we will share more information about the search process and anticipated timeline. 

We are confident in Penn Charter’s future and look forward to our community’s continued trust and partnership in creating an exceptional experience, grounded in Quaker values, for all who walk through the red doors. 

Sincerely,
Paul H. Hough OPC ’77, Board Clerk 
On behalf of the Penn Charter Board of Trustees