September 27, 2022

Dear Mike,

I received your letter with deep regret because of all you have accomplished on behalf of Hackley and your commitment to the Hackley community. Over the last six years, you have ably led the School to overcome multiple unprecedented challenges.

In particular, your guidance and judgment have enabled Hackley to respond compassionately and effectively to the COVID pandemic. The response you developed and implemented is widely recognized as unsurpassed in our area, especially the school’s early adoption of weekly saliva-based PCR testing. Your courage to make many difficult decisions was admirable.

You proved equally adept in guiding Hackley during the difficult immediate post-COVID period, recognizing the importance of community and connection and their positive impact on student and employee wellbeing. Hackley’s continued emphasis on wellness for students and adults will be one of your lasting contributions to the community.

You were also responsible for critical programs that will define Hackley for years to come, most notably those brought about by Redefining Excellence: Learning Beyond Boundaries, Hackley’s strategic plan. The plan’s emphasis on interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities leverages the talents of Hackley’s faculty and the unique nature and location of our campus. The engagement of the employee community with the development of Redefining Excellence will sustain these developments in the years to come.

Additionally, over the last six years, you led the physical transformation of the School, completing construction of the Johnson Center for Health and Wellness, initiating construction on the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, and adding 16 new housing units to support and retain Hackley’s outstanding faculty. 

Understanding the importance of talented faculty, staff, and administrators, you attracted and hired many new dedicated faculty and leaders, while also helping retain and grow talent within the current faculty and staff. I will never forget the gratitude of the Hackley employees upon your announcement of bonuses for their work during COVID, a recognition by you and the Board for their commitment and all they made possible. 

I also recognize your commitment to DEI work in connection with Hackley’s mission, particularly as we help students “to learn from varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world.” You have contributed to Hackley’s long history of being a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive school.

All this has been made possible by the continuing community contribution to the now renamed Hackley Fund, as well as transformative gifts for the Beyond Boundaries campaign. The community’s generous support reflects their response to all that was accomplished over the last six years. 

Beyond those specific achievements has been your dedication to fulfillment of Hackley's mission relating to character. I want personally to express my gratitude to you for everything you accomplished. Your commitment to a smooth transition during this school year is one more manifestation of your contributions. On behalf of the entire Hackley community, I wish you, Hilary, Charlie, and Frances all the best and hope you will remain connected to the Hilltop.

Very truly yours, 

Rodge Cohen
President, Board of Trustees