Board Names Cobb Next Head of School
In an announcement by Board President John Gowen, the Board of Trustees has named Josh Cobb as Graland’s next Head of School. Josh, who has served as head of Middle School since 2010, will continue to oversee the Middle School for the duration of the school year while working closely with Ronni and a newly created transition team to help ensure a smooth change of leadership on July 1, 2017. His title is now Associate Head of School.
In an announcement by Board President John Gowen, the Board of Trustees has named Josh Cobb as Graland’s next Head of School.
Josh, who has served as head of Middle School since 2010, will continue to oversee the Middle School for the duration of the school year while working closely with Ronni and a newly created transition team to help ensure a smooth change of leadership on July 1, 2017. His title is now Associate Head of School.
John praised Josh’s thought leadership, strategic outlook and educational philosophy. Furthermore, he acknowledged that Josh possesses a full understanding of all facets of the school -- both the instructional and the business sides -- which will allow Graland to build upon the strong foundation established by Ronni McCaffrey.
A former classroom teacher, Josh joined the Graland faculty in 2002. As head of Middle School, his accomplishments in advancing Graland’s academic program are many. In addition to overseeing every aspect of the Middle School academic program, Josh has actively worked to develop his knowledge of school operations and business by participating on the Graland Finance Committee, the compensation task force, and the Development Committee, where his influence in the community helped raise funds for the ASCEND campaign.
Ronni says, “In my four decades of experience in independent school leadership, I consider Josh Cobb to be the quintessential candidate for this position. He has the soul, mind, and guts to lead Graland to a successful future and our community is fortunate to capture such talent.”
As a Graland parent himself -- he and his wife Oakley have two children at Graland -- Josh is able to fully embrace the perspectives of parents as well as teachers and administrators in helping each student achieve his or her potential in intellectual and character growth. Josh also believes strongly in cultivating an inclusive, diverse school community that broadens our foundation of excellence.
A lifelong learner, Josh has a master of education degree in private school leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center, a master of arts degree in literature, and a bachelor of arts degree in English, both from Middlebury College.
The Board’s decision was unanimous after considering a wide pool of qualified candidates. In accepting the position, Josh said, “In the coming years, I envision a school dynamic with innovation and problem-solving, a school that values the true worth of faculty as masters of their craft, and most importantly a school that cultivates a spirit of compassion and inclusivity in all. I am committed to inspiring and facilitating the collaborative endeavor that will achieve these ambitious goals as Graland nears its first century.”
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Claudia Sanchez9/16/2016 @ 4:35 PMYay, Mr. Cobb! You deserve this position, and I know you'll be great! Practically all of the class o 2020 wanted you to be the new head of school. Good luck, even though you don't need it!
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
