Grey Nun Academy Selects Deborah Kost as Head of School

    YARDLEY, PA, March 27, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Grey Nun Academy (GNA), the Catholic, independent elementary school in Bucks County, PA, is pleased to announce that Deborah Kost has been chosen for the position of Head of School effective July 1, 2015. Until then, Kost will assume a consultative role beginning the week of April 13, 2015 working alongside Interim Principal John Mundy to ensure a smooth transition.

As an experienced leader who has demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, the use of technology in instruction, team building, faculty development, and effective elementary school management, Kost held positions as Head of School at Catherine McAuley High School in Portland, ME, Plymouth Meeting Friends School in Plymouth Meeting, PA, The Janus School in Mount Joy, PA, and the Haddonfield Friends School in Haddonfield, NJ.

"Deborah is a strong leader known for her creative and flexible administrative skills who achieves goals, builds positive relationships, and provides vision, direction, and effective communication," said Sr. Julia Lanigan, President of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. "Her wide-ranging experiences will provide steadfast academic leadership and faithfulness to the mission at Grey Nun Academy and we are blessed to welcome her to our school."

Kost attended Columbia University's Teachers College, New York City, New York, as a member of its esteemed Klingenstein Visiting Fellows Program for Head of School, 2006. She also holds her K-12 Principal Certificate from Villanova University with a Concentration in Educational Policy and Leadership. While at Yale University, she held the role of Assistant Director at the Center for the Study of Learning and Attention Disorders.

"I believe my professional background, education, and abilities will enable me to lead Grey Nun Academy with faith, integrity, and vision," said Kost. "I look forward to getting to know faculty, administrators, students, and families at Grey Nun Academy and adding value to what is already one of the finest independent learning institutions in the greater Philadelphia region."

While earning her Master of Education from Lehigh University, Kost held a concentration in Educational Leadership, Secondary Education, Biology, and Teacher Certification. Prior, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Arizona.

"Deborah's educational background gained from her training and experiences at Columbia, Lehigh, Villanova, and Yale Universities, and her strengths as a teacher, grade dean, department chair, dean of students, and head of school made her the most outstanding candidate for Grey Nun Academy's Head of School position," said Bob Needle, GNA board member and search committee leader.

On working with Kost during the transition phase, John Mundy added: "I remain committed to seeing Grey Nun Academy through this transition process, and working closely with Deborah to integrate her into our GNA community. I have no doubt she will help GNA achieve the fullest attainment of its mission and vision to become the Catholic, independent school in Bucks County."

About Grey Nun Academy
Founded in 1963 by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, Grey Nun Academy is the Catholic, independent elementary school in Bucks County, PA for children in grades PreK3 through Eighth grade. The Academy's mission is to offer an academically rich curriculum that meets the unique needs of individual students, respecting the rights, interests, and dignity of each child. GNA welcomes children of all faiths and cultures. The school's educational process leads children to embrace and promote peace and social justice in our world. To learn more, visit www.gnaedu.org.

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