August 16, 2022
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved colleague, Bruce Dennis, passed away yesterday.
Bruce joined CS&A as a Senior Consultant after four decades of extraordinary leadership in education. He was known by his colleagues and school leaders and friends around the country as a lifelong educator, a fierce advocate for students and faculty, a brilliant thought leader, and a very funny comedian who brought a smile to the face of anyone in his orbit.
“Bruce led with his heart,” said Bob Vitalo, Director of Search and Consulting Services at CS&A. “His constant focus throughout his career was to lift others up, to celebrate the goodness in people, and to inspire with kindness, humor, and care.”
Prior to joining CS&A, Bruce served for 15 years as the Head of School at Packer Collegiate in Brooklyn, New York. By all accounts Bruce’s tenure at Packer was remarkably successful – one characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a particular attention to elevating all members of the greater Packer community. Before Packer, Bruce served for 25 years in various leadership and teaching roles in public schools in the greater New York area. In the aggregate, Bruce’s impact in K-12 education touched multiple generations and thousands of students and families.
Bruce served on multiple boards throughout his career and wrote extensively on topics such as governance, leadership, and the future of secondary education. He taught at Teachers College, Columbia University; he also received both his master's and doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from Columbia.
For Bruce, the focus was never on him or his innumerable accomplishments or recognitions. He much preferred to ask questions, to share stories, and to celebrate the unexpected or improbable vicissitudes of life. He loved movies and tennis and books, and he loved comedy. Just in the last 24 hours as we learned of this heartbreaking news, the stories of the laughter he inspired have been flowing. His legacy will forever be one of kindness, humility, and care. As one colleague noted, “Life was so much more rich and interesting when Bruce was around. He lifted me up like no one else I know.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Bruce’s loving family: his wife, Barbara Shapiro, and his son, Jason Dennis.
On behalf of CS&A and the greater education community, we grieve the loss of Bruce Dennis and we celebrate a truly extraordinary man who profoundly impacted the lives of so many.
Devereaux McClatchey
President
Carney, Sandoe & Associates