After an extensive search, Kira Donnelly was unanimously chosen as Summit’s next Head of School. Among the many strengths in Kira’s rich background of educational and Montessori leadership, several that felt particularly notable are Kira’s child-centered and collaborative leadership style, her deep understanding of child development and Montessori pedagogy, her skill and fluency with the budgeting process and financial management, her understanding that strategic vision must be grounded in and preceded by relationship-building and immersion in the Summit community, and her demonstrated commitment to staff development and retention.
Kira is passionate about growing and supporting Montessori education. A Montessori child herself, she chose Montessori for her own children and eventually found a way to incorporate Montessori in her professional journey too. She has presented at Montessori conferences around the world and actively participates in the work of the Montessori movement. Kira has more than 10 years of leadership experience in Montessori schools, both public and private, as well as 4 years of experience as Head of Montessori Schools with >100 students.
Kira enjoys spending time with family and scrapbooking. She also reads a lot including both fiction and nonfiction about a variety of topics including Montessori, climate change, and social justice. She likes to explore new cities and nature.