Superintendent Search

Dear Graded Community,

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jane McGee as the next superintendent of Graded - The American School of São Paulo. Jane brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator and leader at international schools, including nine years as a head of school. Jane will begin her tenure at Graded in July 2025, succeeding Superintendent Richard Boerner who has adeptly steered the school since 2015. 

The Board of Directors' unanimous decision to appoint Jane concludes a comprehensive and thoughtful seven-month selection process conducted by the Board Superintendent Search Committee and supported by executive search firm International Schools Services (ISS). 

Jane is a highly respected administrator with deep international education experience as a math teacher, department head, IB coordinator, principal, and head of school. Currently serving as head of school at UNIS Hanoi, she has previously held roles at the American Overseas School of Rome, the American International School in Egypt, the International School Bangkok, the American School of Warsaw, the American School of Bombay, and the Vientiane International School. She received her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mathematics and Statistics and Master of Education in Administration and Policy, from Queen’s University in Canada.

The board is thrilled to have found a leader passionate about building a positive and supportive culture for all stakeholders. Jane's dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment aligns beautifully with Graded's mission, vision, and values. Her passion for student success and visionary, highly relational leadership style will enable Jane to expand upon Rich's many accomplishments and successfully steward Graded into the future. 

"I am honored to join Graded, a school with a distinguished 100+-year history of excellence, innovation, and community," said Jane. "As the new superintendent, I will be committed to advancing this legacy in collaboration with our dedicated faculty, staff, and the board of directors. My focus will be on continuing to enhance the already exceptional educational programs and ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. I look forward to drawing on the rich diversity of our community at Graded and immersing myself in the vibrant culture of São Paulo and Brazil. Together, we will strive to continue delivering an outstanding educational experience that equips our students for success."

Over the next 13 months, Rich and the board will work closely with Jane to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Under Jane's inspirational leadership, we are confident that we will build upon the strong foundation of our centennial institution and continue to provide our students with the world's best educational experiences. 

Thank you to every community member who participated in this search process. Your enthusiastic engagement throughout the process is a testament to Graded's strong and spirited community. ​​

Sincerely,

Graded Board of Directors

Dear Graded Community,

We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to partner with International Schools Services (ISS) to conduct the search for Graded's next superintendent, whose appointment will take effect July 2025. 

ISS is a renowned global leader in educational services with a long-standing history of success supporting American international schools. The firm's expertise and extensive network in the field of international education will facilitate an efficient and productive search, resulting in a pool of highly-qualified candidates.

Graded's next superintendent will play a vital role in shaping the future of our school and maintaining the institution's outstanding international reputation. We are confident that we will find the right candidate who shares Graded's mission, vision, and values. 

In late January, search consultants will visit our campus to engage with the school community. They will facilitate focus groups, allowing participants to share their expectations and aspirations for the next superintendent. We encourage stakeholders to attend these sessions and provide valuable input. Detailed information is forthcoming. 

Over the coming months, ISS will work closely with our Board Search Committee to manage the recruitment process, review applications, conduct interviews, and, ultimately, recommend the most qualified candidates for the board’s consideration. We will keep you updated. 

The Superintendent Search Committee is chaired by Board Member Tania Haddad '95 and includes Board President Alex Malfitani '90, Vice President Caroline Pinheiro Lima, and members Alberto Duran, Jeff Hoberman, Denis Mizne, and Ricardo Veirano. The committee is confident that with your support and the expertise of ISS, we will find Graded's next inspirational leader, who will uphold our institutional values and commitment to educational excellence.

Sincerely,

Graded Board of Directors

Dear Graded Community,

On October 27, 2023, Superintendent Richard Boerner announced that he will be leaving Graded when his contract ends in June 2025, marking what will be a 10-year term—the school's longest superintendent tenure in 40 years. We would like to express our profound gratitude to Rich for his impactful and visionary leadership and the lasting contributions he has made to our institution.

Under Rich's direction, Graded has thrived and consolidated its reputation as a top international school. Despite a challenging economic climate, the institution has surpassed its enrollment targets and fundraising goals while building healthy reserves. Our students continue to gain admission to the world's most selective universities. In a competitive market, Rich's charismatic, warm, and diplomatic leadership style has helped attract and retain first-class faculty and administrators. Moreover, he has served as a diligent steward of our school, upholding and reinforcing Graded's principles and core values.

Rich and his team have introduced educational programs and initiatives that have enhanced learning and the student experience. The launch of the Graded Learning Lab, expansion of STEM course offerings, restructuring of the Teaching and Learning Department and counseling programs, forging of external partnerships, and institutionalization of deeper learning exemplify Graded's commitment to innovative, student-centered education.

The physical transformation of the Graded campus over the past decade has been breathtaking. The Student Center, Athletics Center, Innovation Center, Upper and Lower School Libraries, Haddad Center for the Performing Arts, and Dona Emília Cafeteria are just a few of the new and renovated state-of-the-art facilities completed—a testament to our belief that space plays a critical role in student learning.

Rich and his team demonstrated steadfast leadership throughout the challenges of the global COVID pandemic. They adeptly planned and executed distance and hybrid learning and drafted the Eagles Reunite Plan, an internationally-heralded guide to safely reopening the school for in-person learning. 

In light of Rich's departure in June 2025, we are embarking upon an international superintendent search to identify a successor. We are fortunate to have a generous 20 months to conduct this comprehensive global search. We are certain that Graded's institutional stability and excellent global reputation will enable us to attract a broad and talented pool of candidates. Most importantly, we are confident that Graded will remain a joyful place for our students to learn and grow. 

We are currently engaging a number of international search firms experienced in the recruitment of exceptional educational leaders. Graded Board Member Tania Haddad '95 will head the Search Committee as chair. Also serving on the committee will be Board President Alex Malfitani '90, Vice President Caroline Pinheiro Lima, and members Alberto Duran, Jeff Hoberman, Denis Mizne, and Ricardo Veirano. We will communicate with you when we select a search firm and provide you with regular updates on the search and selection progress.

We look forward to your continued support as we move forward during this transition period.

Sincerely,

Graded Board of Directors