The Tribune

JOANNA Paul, an experienced educator with an extensive leadership background in California and the Bahamas, has been appointed Development Director of Lyford Cay International School as it prepares for the expansion of the secondary school. The school, recognising the need to strengthen its development efforts, has made the appointment as it heads into its second five-year strategic plan.

Dr Paul began her career as an educator in Los Angeles, where she served the educational community as a teacher, a high school principal and a district administrator for 12 years. Her desire for less city and traffic and more community and nature brought her to Eleuthera, where she headed the Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS). Dr Paul worked as a school leader at DCMS and The Island School for seven years and in her most recent role as Director of Education and Advancement, was part of the team that completed a $15m comprehensive campaign ahead of schedule for The Island School. Her leadership allowed DCMS to exceed its fundraising goals for four consecutive years. She has developed a deep bond with the Bahamas and a belief that this is one of the best countries in the world in which to live and work.

In Eleuthera, as a new mother and leader of a young institution, Dr Paul was prompted to investigate the best educational opportunities in the Bahamas and they have led her to LCIS. “I’ve always searched for progressive schools that focused on critical thinking, connectivity, creativity, and community building,” she said. Dr Paul’s doctorate research was on international schools that best prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. “I was attracted to LCIS because of the school’s focus on larger global issues and the skills that these children will need to be leaders in the complex future. I can’t think of a school in the region that is making a bigger impact,” she added. “The world should be paying attention to what is going on at LCIS.”

When she was approached about the Development Director position at LCIS, she already had a good understanding of the school and community. It was a natural fit and Dr Paul has embraced her new role as Development Director at LCIS. “I really believe in the quality and future of this school,” she said. “We might be small, but we are having an incredible effect on the lives of the children who attend our school. There is real momentum behind this school model and it is leading us towards a fantastic future.

“I’m excited to help this school reach the next level through fundraising, communications and constituent relations. The development of a new secondary campus and the growth of our endowment will be exciting opportunities. I am thrilled to be a part of the team of school leaders and volunteers who will be enacting this strategic vision.”

Dr Paul and her Pre-K daughter are adjusting well to life and work at the school. “As an international family we appreciate the diversity of the student body and the staff at LCIS as well as the focus on both Bahamian and global topics in the IB (international baccalaureate) curriculum,” she said. “I have such an appreciation for teachers, especially those at LCIS. I cannot think of better people to share the responsibility of teaching my child with. This is the strongest group of teachers I have ever seen in The Bahamas.”