After more than four decades in education — nearly twenty of them as Head of Solebury School — I now work with heads, senior teams, and boards on the everyday work of leading a school and on the moments when the stakes are highest.

Experienced Counsel for School Leaders

About

Tom Wilschutz

Leading a school is one of the most rewarding—and demanding—roles in education. Every day brings opportunities to inspire, support, and strengthen a community. It also brings challenges that require sound judgment, steady leadership, and trusted counsel.

After more than four decades in education, including nearly 20 years as Head of Solebury School, I have launched an educational consulting practice dedicated to supporting Heads of School, senior leadership teams, boards, and fellow education consultants as they navigate both everyday leadership responsibilities and the moments that matter most.

Having spent my career at two universities and then two independent schools I have acquired a deep well of experience in crisis management and crisis communication. Additionally I bring broad experience across admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, institutional leadership, and school governance.

Before serving for the past 18 years as Head of Solebury School, I was Assistant Head of an independent girls' school and held leadership positions in admissions and financial aid, including Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. I also was Associate Director of Admissions at a Big Ten university.

Throughout my career, I have learned that successful leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions, listening carefully, building trust, and making thoughtful decisions—especially when the stakes are high.

How I Can Help

I partner with school leaders on a broad range of strategic and operational issues, including:

  • Crisis management and communications

  • Leadership coaching and executive support

  • Enrollment strategy, admissions, and student recruitment

  • Student support and complex student matters

  • Faculty and staff recruitment, development, and retention

  • Organizational leadership and management

  • Parent and family relations

  • Alumni engagement

  • Advancement, fundraising, and institutional development

  • Governance and collaboration with boards of trustees

  • Strategic planning and organizational effectiveness

Whether serving as a consultant, coach, or sounding board, my goal is to help leaders think clearly, act confidently, and successfully negotiate the challenge they are facing while moving  their schools forward.

Every school encounters unexpected challenges. Over the course of my career, I have led organizations through situations that demanded thoughtful leadership, discretion, and resilience, including:

Experience When it Matters Most

  • Significant environmental emergencies and campus-wide threats

  • Contemporary and historical allegations of sexual abuse

  • Financial and operational challenges

  • Enrollment pressures and demographic shifts

  • Complex personnel matters

  • Navigating legal threats to the institution

  • Sensitive student issues affecting individuals and the broader community

  • The countless unexpected challenges that inevitably find their way to a Head's office

These experiences reinforced an important lesson: while every situation is unique, no Head of School should have to face difficult decisions alone.

A Trusted Partner

My consulting approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in experience. Sometimes leaders need strategic advice. Sometimes they need an experienced coach. Often they simply need a confidential partner who understands the unique responsibilities of leading a school.

I listen carefully, help identify the underlying issues, offer thoughtful perspective, and work alongside leaders to develop practical, effective solutions that fit their school's mission and culture.

Let’s Talk

Whether you are a first-year Head, a seasoned school leader facing a difficult challenge, a board seeking experienced counsel, or a consultant looking for a trusted collaborator, I would welcome the opportunity to connect.

Leadership is never a solo endeavor. The right conversation at the right time can make all the difference.