New Headmaster at Holy Innocents' Arrives With Proven Strategy

Holy Innocents’ has named a new head of school.

Gene Bratek replaces Kirk Duncan whose seven-year contract ended in June. Rick Betts has served as interim head of school.

Bratek starts March 1st and will be the ninth head of school for Holy Innocents'.

“Gene’s experience, proven academic and administrative leadership, and fund-raising skills will be of great benefit to Holy Innocents’ in meeting its mission," said Bruce Ford, chair of the school's search committee, in a press statement. "[Also] in providing our students the very best in education, arts, athletics and facilities.”

In 2007, Bratek left his position as headmaster at Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C., after serving 21 years.

More recently, he spent a year as interim headmaster at the Marshall School in Duluth, Minn.

At Providence Day, Bratek acquired land and raised more than $25 million, according to Holy Innocents'. During four fundraising campaigns, the school added four athletic fields, a fine arts center, technology center, library and a state-of-the-art 56,000 square-foot athletic center.

Bratek has said that he believes it's essential for a head of school to have a successful strategy for fundraising campaigns, as well as a strong connection to the community. 

In addition - with diversity in mind - a students’ self-worth is developed from elementary school, he said.

Holy Innocents’ opened in 1959 with 72 students from pre-K to first grade. Today it is a fully accredited, college preparatory school for pre-K through the 12^th grade. Enrollment last fall was 1,330.