the method, but it ultimately lets everyone who is willing
be heard and, if a plan is formed, results in a group buy-
in that has long term, positive results as evidenced by the
school’s accomplishments these past 15 years.
Chuck also has an uncanny ability to assemble the
right people in the room, whether it be his office, a full
faculty meeting in the library or theater, or his home,
to share his vision with those assembled, to encourage
lively and sometimes conflicting feedback, and to reach
consensus. Once the vision becomes a plan, he trusts
his associates to run with it. He leads, but he does not
micromanage. He trusts his team.
In this era of “Information,” one of the ways Chuck
creates community is by communicating. He makes
himself available by having Q & As with the Parents
Association, holding open office hours for faculty, and
encouraging small group meetings for the Diversity
and Inclusion Committee. He attends school functions,
interacting with students, their families, alumni, and
friends of TLS. He writes a regular Head’s letter to
the school community and the board. He supports
his administrative team and the faculty. One-on-one
conversations while walking the halls of TLS are as
valued as Pinpoints, the Alumni Association, the school
website, and the school presence on social media. Each
day he shakes hands with the youngest to the oldest who
all feel personally known by the head of the school.
Chuck’s handshake is enhanced by all the Baldecchis
in residence at Scarlet Gate. Their gift of hospitality
radiates throughout the property, warmly inviting
all to join them in the community that forms
The Lexington School family tree.
Below: At the 2005
Holiday Homecoming,
Ann Eames presents
her granddaughter
Sara Grace Eames to
an adoring audience of
Marijo Foster (H’16) and
Deirdre Lyons.
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