Pinpoints Spring 2019 | Page 22

RIGHT PEOPLE the in THE ROOM COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMMUNITY Having served as Head of The Lexington School 15 years, from 2004 to 2019, Charles Douglas Baldecchi has had the second longest tenure, behind Norton G. Pritchett Jr. (H’81), Headmaster from 1961 to 1981. Today’s Lexington School community is, naturally and in countless ways, a reflection of the Baldecchi family: Erin, Chuck, Bella ’17, Alex ’19, and Cade ’21. Former English teacher and wearer of many TLS hats, Ann Eames has worked with Chuck throughout the years, closely from afar. From her library in Portland, Oregon, Ann’s reminiscences create a picture: 20 Chuck is a teacher at heart, thus embodying his title of Head of School – head teacher. His eyes always glow with satisfaction as he practices the Socratic teaching method of asking the question and letting his students – whether they be young people, administrators, or teachers – embark in lively conversations on tough issues that bring up a variety of opinions. He directs his questions toward understanding and consensus building, but this doesn’t always occur. Then he pulls back and regathers the troops, encouraging more discussion until there is some resolution. It’s a challenging process that takes both patience and faith in