ASH Voices: Gail, Former School Superintendent
Meet Gail, Former School Superintendent: “ASH has always been able to attract and hold an outstanding faculty. I felt it was my job to facilitate their work. As I say, do your best and ASH will do the rest.”
 
Gail was Superintendent at ASH from 1983-1992 and was the visionary behind the campus building project that moved ASH from The Hague to Wassenaar. Back then, the school was located across 6 different building locations in the historical Statenkwatier. Rising student numbers required out of the box thinking to create a new space that catered to the growing number of student applications. During his period of leadership, ASH hosted multiple presidential visits as well as the visit of former Queen Beatrix who opened the Wassenaar campus in 1990. Some may recognize both his name and face in the bronze cut portrait that is hanging outside of the current directors office, a tribute to a poem “Wings and Roots” that Gail wrote while he worked at ASH that has global recognition.
 
What is the general framework of when you were at ASH and what was your ASH experience like?
My ASH experience was GREAT. It was then considered one of the best international schools in the world, and looks like it still is. The building project was probably the highlight of my tenure. It came in on time and on budget, and turned out beautifully. I am also proud to have started the speech and debate program for ASH and for European International Schools, something still thriving to this day. I also had the privilege to work with excellent teachers and fine Board members during my tenure.
 
Are there any standout moments or people from your ASH experience?
The visit by George H. W. Bush, the first sitting US President to visit the Netherlands, was certainly a high point. He and Barbara actually visited twice. She broke ground on the new building site during her first visit to the Netherlands and laid the cornerstone to the building. On their second visit, Bush spoke to 600 people in our gym; it was a momentous occasion to have a serving president and first lady visit the school.
 
What words can you share about meaningful learning, to our current students?
“Do your best, and ASH will do the rest.”
 
Where are you today and what are you pursuing?
I am in an Independent Living apartment at in Hartford, CT. I'm actually busier now than when I was superintendent at ASH. I direct the Avery Actors, lead the Book Club, edit a quarterly newsletter and a semi-annual Directory, and also exercise 3 x week and swim 3 per times. VP of AHILA, the residents association, AND I am a servant to an all-black cat. I have also organized an annual golf tournament where two other former ASH staff have taken part, Paul DeMinico and John Heard - a lovely way to keep in touch. It's always good to reconnect with so many who share similar international experiences--especially over a couple of rounds of golf!
 

 

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We have a diverse community of students, staff, and families from around the world. Each member of our community brings their own story that enriches the #ASHexperience.