Paul Cummins, School’s Co- Founder, Speaks at Crossroads

On Nov. 3, Crossroads co-founder and longtime headmaster Paul Cummins addressed members of the School community in two lively and engrossing presentations in the Community Room. The talks coincided with the publication of Paul’s new memoir, “Confessions of a Headmaster.” In the afternoon, in dialogue facilitated by Bob Riddle and Jeff Guckert, Paul spoke to current faculty and staff about the origins of school, rejected being labeled as a “visionary” and answered employee questions on a number of topics.

He also applauded the School’s teachers for their work at the “crossroads” of progressive education, the intersection where academic rigor and student self-expression meet.

In the evening, Paul addressed a large crowd of current and former parents, alumni and grandparents. Sharing the stage with Bob, he once again spoke passionately on a number of subjects, including the cost of independent school education. “It’s about quality,” he said, lamenting the state of underserved public schools. When he asked, “Why is the state willing to pay over $100,000 a year to incarcerate one juvenile but only $9,000 to educate one student?” the crowd broke out into applause.

After both talks, Paul greeted attendees and signed copies of his new book.