Brian Yager selected as new Head of School

San Antonio, TX:  Keystone School is pleased to announce the appointment of new Head of School Brian C. Yager.  Mr. Yager will be the fifth Head of School in Keystone’s 60-year history, and succeeds Hugh McIntosh, the current Head of School. 

"I am honored to be joining such an incredible institution,” says Yager.  "Keystone benefits from an amazing program and faculty.  The students are intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated, and they and their families come to Keystone knowing that their experience will be phenomenal.  Thanks to the work of Mr. McIntosh, the School is in a great position on all fronts.  The transition will be very smooth.”

Mr. McIntosh has served Keystone School, which recently celebrated its 60^th anniversary, as the Head of School for the last six years.  He says, "Today Keystone enjoys success beyond our academic reputation.  Our students are celebrated as athletes, musicians, actors and scholars.  The positive climate of the school is reflected in the accomplishments of the students and the enthusiasm of a seasoned and committed faculty and staff.  I have accomplished the goals I set out when I first arrived, and with a commitment to the continued success of the Keystone students and families, I welcome Brian Yager to the Keystone community.”

A native of Santa Barbara, CA, Mr. Yager comes to Keystone from The Community School in Sun Valley, Idaho, where he was the Director of the Upper School.  Previously, Mr. Yager served the Cate School, in Santa Barbara, CA, for sixteen years in academic and administrative roles of increasing responsibility. Years of experience in two well-respected independent K-12 schools have honed Mr. Yager’s exceptional skills in educational leadership and business acumen. 

His academic background is equally impressive:  A Cate School alumnus, he earned dual undergraduate degrees with honors from Stanford University in Applied Earth Sciences and Quantitative Economics, attended Columbia University on a Klingenstein fellowship, and earned his Master’s in Education from Harvard University. 

An in-depth search process was conducted with the help of an outside firm and the Head of School Search Committee.  "Our Search Committee, through a process respectful of faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni, unanimously recommended to the Board of Trustees that, among forty-five applicants, Brian Yager was the best fit for Keystone.  During his productive, informative interactions on campus it became clear that Mr. Yager shared our unabashed commitment to the Keystone core mission of academic excellence, while fully recognizing the value of social-emotional learning and physical education in the development of students with eclectic and exceptional minds.  Among many memorable viewpoints that circulated after Brian’s visit was the thought that Brian embodies the intellectual, emotional, and social balance that we would most like to see our graduates achieve as adults,” commented Mark Steinhelper, the Chairperson for the committee.

As Head of School, Mr. Yager will work with division heads, faculty and the Board of Trustees to maintain and grow the quality of Keystone’s accelerated curriculum.  He will also oversee the continued financial health of the school and serve as the public voice for Keystone in the community. 

Hal Zesch, current Chair of the Board of Trustees, agrees that the search has been successful.  "We want to both welcome Brian Yager and thank Hugh McIntosh during this transition.  Hugh came to Keystone during a challenging time with a plan and goals that have been achieved.  Keystone has record enrollment and a solid financial position.  Its academic excellence is recognized on a national level, reflecting the outstanding faculty and staff and engaged students and parents.  Keystone’s Board unanimously supported our Search Committee’s recommendation of Brian and warmly welcomes him.  With Brian’s leadership, we believe the very best years of Keystone are ahead of us.”

Mr. Yager will assume his new position on July 1, 2010.  He brings his wife Megan, an interior designer, and their three children.

Keystone is a nationally recognized, multi-cultural college preparatory school where academic excellence and individuality are honored.  Our small, accelerated classes and co-curricular activities prepare our students to succeed at the nation’s best colleges and universities.  Keystone’s students in grades K-12 are mentored by master teachers who create an extraordinary, well-rounded learning environment.  To learn more, visit the Keystone website at www.keystoneschool.org.

For interview opportunities, contact Angela Rabke at 210-735-4022x 308 or arabke@keystoneschool.org