CSS is delighted to announce two exceptional educators joining our leadership team, effective July 2025. As a school, our primary goal is to select leaders who embody our vision and will lead us future forward. We warmly welcome Dr. Ira Pernick as our new Director of the Upper School and Dr. Brad Hayes as our new Director of STEM Innovation and Institutional Research.
Meet Dr. Ira Pernick, Incoming Director of Upper School
Dr. Ira Pernick, our incoming Director of the Upper School, brings extensive experience in educational leadership and curriculum development. Dr. Pernick currently serves as Administrator for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Port Washington Union Free School District in New York, where he has successfully implemented numerous district-wide initiatives.
Before this role, he spent over a decade as Principal of Paul D. Schreiber High School, one of the top high schools in the country, where he emphasized professional development, instructional excellence, and community engagement.
Dr. Pernick holds an Ed.D. in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and has presented nationally on topics such as positive leadership and instructional improvement.
Bio: Ira Pernick’s career in education began as a high school English teacher in New York City. After earning his educational leadership certifications, he served as an assistant principal before stepping into his first principalship in Queens, New York. Following a successful 10-year tenure in Queens, Ira moved to Port Washington to become the principal of Paul D. Schreiber High School, where he served for 11 years. He then transitioned to the district office, taking on a wide range of responsibilities. Throughout his career, Ira has remained committed to fostering positive school cultures by building strong relationships with students, parents, and staff. He is also deeply passionate about delivering high-quality instruction to help students exceed their expectations and achieve their goals. Ira holds a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Albany, a Master’s Degree from CUNY Queens College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of Pennsylvania. A proud father of Sam (24) and Molly (20), Ira and his partner, Erica Fazzari, are excited to join the CSS community.
Meet Dr. Brad Hayes, Director of STEM Innovation and Institutional Research
Dr. Brad Hayes, joining us as Director of STEM Innovation and Institutional Research, is an innovative educator with over 20 years of international experience in STEM education, technology integration, and curriculum design.
Currently the Director of Global Programs and Design Technology Department Chair at Carrollwood Day School in Florida, Dr. Hayes has designed state-of-the-art maker-labs, led professional development in AI and coding, and organized major robotics competitions.
He holds an Ed.D. from the University of South Florida with research focused on skill transfer from computer science to mathematics. Dr. Hayes's expertise includes robotics, cybersecurity, project-based learning, and global education initiatives.
Read more about the position and job description here
Bio: Brad Hayes is originally from the UK and lived in Japan for 11 years before moving to Florida seven years ago. He earned his Bachelor's degree in mathematics (BSc) from Coventry University and completed his teacher training and Master's degree (MEd) at the University of Cambridge. Bradley graduated from the University of South Florida last year with a Doctorate in Education (EdD). Throughout his 20-year teaching career, Bradley has primarily taught middle and high school Mathematics and Computer Science and has led computer science and design technology departments for the past 10 years. Driven by a strong interest in global understanding and multiculturalism, Brad has also served as the Director of Global Programs for the past three years. Outside of school, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as pursuing his hobbies, car modification projects, and studying. Brad is excited to lead STEM innovation at CSS and to begin a new chapter in his family's lives.
Welcome to the Kodiak Community!
Dr. Pernick and Dr. Hayes will focus on elevating excellence and innovation at CSS while enhancing the value of our educational experience. Dr. Pernick will leverage his expertise in instructional improvement and positive leadership to further strengthen academic rigor and community engagement within the Upper School. Dr. Hayes will spearhead PreK-12 initiatives integrating cutting-edge STEM curricula with hands-on learning opportunities, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global competencies among our students.
We are thrilled to have Dr. Pernick and Dr. Hayes join our community as we continue advancing our priorities of educational excellence and innovation at The Colorado Springs School.
Please join us in extending a warm CSS Kodiak welcome to Dr. Pernick and Dr. Hayes!
