The Upland Country Day School Board of Trustees announced on Jan. 6 the appointment of Thomas J. Reid as Upland’s next head of school, effective July 1, 2014. 

The appointment follows a nationwide search launched last September. Reid will be the eighth permanent head of school in Upland’s 65-year history, succeeding interim head of school, Archie Douglas. 

“We could not be more excited about what Tom’s leadership will mean for the future of Upland,” said Upland board president and chair of the search committee, Mary Pat Fralick. “We were very thorough in the search process. Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and current students all participated in the interview process. We sought a proven leader whose experience and background would align with Upland’s tradition and mission. Tom Reid is that kind of leader and more.” 

Reid has more than 25 years experience as a head of school. He currently serves as the interim head of school at Palmer Trinity School, a 670-student, grade 6 to 12 school in Palmetto Bay, Fla. Prior to his position at Palmer Trinity, he served as headmaster at St. Paul’s School, a K-12, all-boys school in Lutherville, Md., for 11 years. During that time, he led the school in the achievement of the International Baccalaureate World School designation, a rigorous academic program. While Reid’s chief responsibilities have been in school leadership, he has also taught history and served as director of athletics and as an ice hockey coach. 

Reid first became acquainted with Upland in the late 1970s through his relationship with the late Dr. John Cleveland, Upland’s head of school from 1962 to 1981. Dr. Cleveland launched the school’s 35-year long Finnish Exchange Program and Upland’s ice hockey tradition. At the time, Reid was a young coach leading the Wissahickon Skating Club in Philadelphia, and competed against Upland’s hockey team a number of times. 

In accepting the head of school appointment, Reid said, “Since first visiting Upland years ago, my wife, Ann, and I have had great respect for the school and its mission. When I recently returned to the school to meet with the search committee, I could sense the same spirit and character. The energy and devotion of the board and faculty were clear to me, and I’m looking forward to working together with them to make Upland the best possible educational experience for its students.”

For more information, visit www.uplandcds.org.