Our Wildwood, Volume 54

FEATURE Leading with Purpose

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING For those of us here now, experiencing an ascendant Wildwood School, it is impossible not to think of Wildwood as the school that Landis Green built. While he did not lay its original foundation, he understood the mandate when he arrived—to grow the school.

FOR 19 YEARS, WITH CLARITY AND PURPOSE, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE HAS DONE.

As the young man—he looked about 12 years old— stretched out his hand and introduced himself as a candidate for head of school, I caught a glimpse of the lively intelligence, determination, and kindness behind his smile, and I knew that Wildwood would be safe in his hands. To our good fortune, Landis brought all of that and so much more.”

understand what they have here?” His voice carried emotion. I understood exactly what he meant. In less than an hour, it was clear that Landis got it—the vision, the effort that brought Wildwood to this moment, and the unbounded potential ahead.”

COLLEEN PUNDYK (P. ‘98) BOARD OF TRUSTEES (1992-1998) DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT (1998-2015)

CATHLEEN COLLINS (P. ‘06) BOARD CHAIR (2005-2007) BOARD OF TRUSTEES (2001-2009) SEARCH ADVISORY CHAIR (2006-2007)

It was a no-brainer: Landis ‘got’ what Wildwood was looking to do with our brand-new secondary school, with the whole K-12. He understood the educational goals that we were aspiring to. He clearly saw that we intended to build a school like no other, using the finest educational reform examples from people like Ted Sizer, Deborah Meyers, and Dennis Littky. Rather than being daunted by the challenge to do what hadn’t been done before, he was clearly excited by it. Landis “got” it! Our committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Board that Wildwood hire Landis as our next Head of School. And, two decades later, it was clearly the right decision.”

As we wandered through the buildings, talking about the school’s genesis, Landis was fully engaged— listening carefully, responding with ease, conversing in his inimitable style. Unlike the others, he had clearly done his homework. His questions reflected a deep understanding of Wildwood’s philosophy and aspirations, along with genuine curiosity about the culture of the community. I sensed a growing connection—to what he had studied and now, to what he was seeing firsthand. By the time we reached the Pods, our conversation had shifted from practical to philosophical. Standing in the middle of a classroom, he turned to me and asked quietly, “Do people

LYLE PONCHER (P. ‘97, ‘11) BOARD CHAIR (1994-2001) BOARD OF TRUSTEES (1991-2023)

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