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Ranney Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff Announces His Retirement

In a heartfelt announcement to faculty and staff on Friday June 1, Ranney Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed. D., announced that after much reflection, he will be retiring after 20 years of service at the end of the 2012–2013 academic year.

Dr. Sykoff reflected on the school’s transformational years since his installation in 1993, and on his decision to start a new chapter in his life with his wife, Joyce. “This decision has been one of the most difficult ones of my life and it is accompanied by a wide range of emotions,” said Dr. Sykoff. “As our school’s third Head, it has been my privilege to have known hundreds of students and watch them start and complete their Ranney education. In 2012, our school has exceeded all of my initial expectations, and I hope our founders feel as proud as I do about what we’ve accomplished. Ranney School has given me an astounding opportunity to see the impact of a quality education – one that brings out the promise and potential of each child,” he said.

Under Dr. Sykoff’s stewardship, Ranney School has experienced unprecedented modernization and expansion, resulting in record enrollment and national recognition of its students and programs—and for Monmouth County, New Jersey. Recently, the school completed a highly successful accreditation process and is poised to complete its three-year strategic plan. Under Dr. Sykoff’s leadership, the school has completed the full expansion of the Middle and Upper School, athletic facilities, and the Lower School. His vision to enhance and improve the school’s mission of academic excellence within a modern and nurturing environment has positioned Ranney School as one of the premier college preparatory institutions in New Jersey, as evident in the school’s selectivity to host the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools Biennial Professional Development Conference in October 2012.

On a more personal level, Dr. Sykoff has been a constant presence in the lives of Ranney students. Over the years, he could often be seen cheering on his beloved Panthers on the athletic fields, running in the annual Headmaster’s Fun Run, lecturing on ethics and leadership, playing his electric guitar at school concerts, leading the annual Halloween parade, and even chaperoning students on international trips. A strong advocate for students applying to college, he treasures the relationships he has developed with students over the years; he has seen hundreds of students graduate who began their Ranney education at age three, as well as second generations of Ranney students. His mentorship has also extended to many educators over the years; investing in teacher development, Dr. Sykoff has helped to develop the careers of many educators and academic leaders.

Jamie Price, president of the Board of Trustees, said that Dr. Sykoff has been an integral part of the school’s 52-year history. “He has served as a tireless leader and great champion of our school, and a faithful advocate for growth, expansion, and educational quality,” he said. “His tenure represents nothing short of a transformative era for which we are so incredibly grateful.”

Price added that the Ranney community could never “let him go” completely and the Board looks forward to working with Dr. Sykoff in his new leadership role as chief advisor and consultant for ongoing strategic planning and for the creation of a new 21st century endowment – two areas in which Dr. Sykoff is deeply passionate.

A well-respected leader in education for more than 35 years, Dr. Sykoff has been recognized for his distinguished service in education and participation in volunteerism throughout the community. Recently, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) honored Dr. Sykoff’s notable career with a 2012 Quarter Century Award. Dr. Sykoff is the author of numerous publications and has also spoken on topics including strategic planning, philanthropy and communications at the regional and national levels, most recently at the National Association of Independent Schools national conference in Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Sykoff has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to education and, in his career, has provided exemplary leadership within the complex and competitive environment of private, independent schools. Among his many achievements, Dr. Sykoff’s professional and personal life stems from a strong foundation of educational excellence and social commitment. In 2011, Dr. Sykoff accepted the Crystal Star Award from the Holiday Express organization in appreciation of his extraordinary commitment –including the school’s annual benefit concert and fundraisers—to help support those in need. He remains active on numerous Boards and has received extensive recognition for his selfless contributions to a wide variety of charities. He is a Board of Trustees member at the Riverview Medical Center Foundation in Red Bank and American Cancer Society, and also serves as a member on the Eastern Division of the American Cancer Society’s Board of Directors. From 2003 to 2010, Dr. Sykoff was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Count Basie Theatre, where he was named Grand Gala Honoree for his commitment to education and the arts. Dr. Sykoff is also a five-time New York City Marathon runner; in one of the races he ran side-by-side with a blind runner from the Achilles Track Club, an organization that provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support.

In addition, Dr. Sykoff has been recognized for his ongoing support of the Tinton Falls Jr. Police Academy, has been honored twice by New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his outstanding community service, and has received the State of New Jersey Leadership and Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education from New Jersey State Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr.

The Ranney School Board of Trustees will commence a national search, and Price is confident that the transition in leadership at the end of next year will be successful. “Dr. Sykoff’s unwavering devotion, consummate professionalism and leadership will see us through yet another great Ranney year, he said. “The school remains at the apex of an exhilarating future.”

This article, as well as additional interviews with Dr. Sykoff and select students, appeared in the following media outlets:
June 7, 2012: The Coast Star- Ranney Head of School Retires
June 8, 2012: The Monmouth Journal- Head of Ranney School to Retire After 2013 Academic Year
June 8, 2012: The Torch- Dr. Lawrence Sykoff to Retire Headmaster Transformed Ranney
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.