1. New America School
P.O. Box 201015, Denver, Colorado 80220
Adams 14 Telephone: 303-991-0130
Denver Telephone: 303-320-9854
November 5, 2004
New America School Staff:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the New America School, I’d like to take this
opportunity to thank you for your cooperation and patience during this difficult transition
period. The board, working closely with Susan Lythgoe, the Interim Executive Director,
undertook a huge task designed to ensure the New America Schools will be model schools
of choice for many years to come. The task we’ve undertaken would normally be done over
an eight to twelve month period with much cooperation with staff, students and community.
However, we were faced with the pressing need to do it within a two month period to
ensure our ability to continue to serve our students. Given this situation, it became
imperative that it be done with the input of a few experts and less broad-based input. It was
also done with an awareness of and respect for the many needs of our schools and their
students. It is our plan to have a solid foundation from which a new Executive Director
may begin their work with the board and staff to address the more site-specific needs of
each school and its students.
Part of this process involves the selection of a new Executive Director. The Board of
Directors assigned the task of screening and initial interviewing to a committee to be led by
Susan Lythgoe. The committee was comprised of Susan, an experienced and successful
non-profit Executive Director, Gina Nocera, an expert in the design and management of
Charter Schools, and me, an experienced public school principal in Aurora. This committee
has recommended the Board of Directors interview one candidate from our applicants for
consideration. It is also the wish of the board of directors to include one representative
from each school to join us for this interview. We also agree that this may not be either of
the Heads of School. It is our belief that it is inappropriate for a direct report to be part of
this interview. Given this, we have determined that one Lead Teacher from each school will
be invited to participate. The schools may determine which lead teacher will participate and
let Susan know prior to Wednesday’s meeting (3:30 p.m. at Lowry). Additionally, the board
is inviting Jeremy Cooper to participate in the interview. While Jeremy is leaving the New
America School for an exciting new opportunity, his involvement from the beginning of the
organization will provide valuable input for the board of directors. Staff input will be an
important factor in the board’s decision-making, but the decision will be that of the board of
directors alone.

2. When the board has appointed a new Executive Director, we will host a reception for all
staff to meet with him/her informally.
Once again, thank you for your cooperation and patience. We look forward to working
with you as we move into this next phase of the New America School.
Sincerely,
Harry A. Chan
President
The New America School Board of Directors