Randall Dunn

With Retirement of Scott Nelson, Board Names Randall Dunn as Next Head

Rye Country Day School has named Randall Dunn as its next Head of School. Dunn, who is in his final year as Head of Latin School of Chicago, will begin his tenure July 1, 2022. He will succeed Scott Nelson, who has led the school for nearly 30 years and declared his intention to retire at the end of this school year.

Dunn’s selection follows a nine-month search process that included engagement from the entire Rye Country Day community, including parents, students, alumni, employees, and administrators. The Search Committee concluded that Dunn would build upon the strong foundation and traditions of the school while leading it into the future. They gave the Board of Trustees their full endorsement and the Board unanimously approved his appointment.

“Randall Dunn’s exemplary record of leadership, his deep commitment to students and academic excellence, and his extensive experience in top independent and public schools make him the ideal candidate to lead Rye Country Day School through its next chapter,” said Leigh Dyson Geller, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “He has enjoyed an outstanding career as a classroom teacher, coach, dormitory advisor, and senior administrator, and he brings an engaging presence and dedication to building and fostering a sense of community.”

Dunn said he is “incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the next Head of Rye Country Day. I have a deep appreciation for the School’s exemplary track record of academic excellence within a supportive environment, and its tradition of instilling in its students a lifelong dedication to service.” He added, “Throughout the search process, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to engage with the community. I am excited to continue our collaborative dialogue as we deliver an exceptional education to all Rye Country Day students.”

During Dunn’s tenure, Latin School improved its college admissions, solidified its financial position, and enhanced and expanded its facilities. It also became a leader in utilizing educational technologies and launched Uptown Partnership, a community service program that partners with charitable and educational organizations throughout Chicago.

Dunn has spent the past 34 years in education. After graduating from Milton Academy, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Brown University in 1987. His first teaching job was at the Potomac School. He went on to complete a Master of Education degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University in 1992.

Earlier in his career, Dunn was a coach, dorm parent, and advisor at Milton Academy, and he taught in the Brookline, Massachusetts public school system; at Concord Academy; and at Derby Academy, where he was also the Upper School Director. Prior to his current position as Head of Latin School, an independent pre-K–12 school with 1,200 students, Dunn served as Head of School at The Roeper School in suburban Detroit for seven years. He also served as Head of the Middle School at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, for seven years.