For Frank Braccia, the first months as Head of School at Legacy School in Bangalore have been shaped by a simple principle: listen first.
After stepping into the role following the departure of two senior leaders, Frank focused his early weeks on understanding the rhythms of the school, meeting students, teachers and parents, and gaining a clear sense of the community he had joined.
Recently, Pauline O’Brien, Director of Global Recruitment Strategy and Leadership at International Schools Services (ISS), reconnected with Frank Braccia and Nidhi Udani, Board Member and Director of People & Operations, to reflect on how the transition has unfolded.
For the board, ensuring continuity and stability during the leadership change was essential. According to Nidhi, the transition has unfolded with reassuring ease.
“Frank stepped into the role with a very positive and open approach,” she said. “He has taken the time to understand the school before introducing changes, and that has helped staff and parents feel confident about the direction ahead.”
For Frank, the first six months have been both energising and deeply engaging.
“I’ve been struck by the spirit of the students and the commitment of everyone involved in the school,” he said. “There is a real pride here, whether you see it in the arts festival, the sports programs or the academic work happening in classrooms.”
Legacy has long been known for its vibrant student life and broad participation in extracurricular activities. Frank sees this as one of the school’s greatest strengths and an important foundation for the future.
“Students here are remarkably engaged,” he noted. “You see them participating across so many areas of school life. That energy is something we want to keep nurturing.”
Alongside these strengths, Frank has begun encouraging conversations about how learning continues to evolve.
“We’re looking carefully at how we approach assessment and classroom practice,” he explained. “The goal is to ensure that students are developing the skills and thinking they will need in the world beyond school.”
Another priority for Legacy is expanding career exploration opportunities. Frank hopes to strengthen partnerships and internships that allow students to explore professional interests alongside their academic studies.
“The world students are entering is changing quickly,” he said. “Schools need to help them think not just about university pathways but about the many possibilities that follow.”
Legacy is also preparing for an upcoming NEASC accreditation visit, which Frank views as an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and continued growth.
“Accreditation encourages schools to step back and look carefully at what they are doing,” he said. “It allows the school to celebrate what works well while identifying areas where it can continue to grow.”
The conversation also touched on emerging technologies. At Legacy, Frank has been exploring thoughtful uses of artificial intelligence, including ways AI can support communication and encourage students to question and evaluate information critically.
“AI is already shaping the world our students will enter,” he said. “Part of our responsibility is helping them learn how to engage with it intelligently.”
For Nidhi and the board, the experience of the past months has reinforced the importance of careful alignment when appointing a Head of School.
“Leadership transitions are significant for any school,” she reflected. “Taking the time to find someone who understands the values of the school makes all the difference.”
Reflecting afterwards, Pauline said she particularly appreciated hearing both perspectives during the conversation.
“What stayed with me was Frank’s enthusiasm when he spoke about the students and the life of the school,” she said. “And it was equally valuable hearing Nidhi describe how thoughtfully the board approached the transition. When that level of care and alignment exists between a board and a new Head of School, it gives the whole community real confidence about the future.”
As Legacy School prepares for accreditation and continues strengthening opportunities for students, Frank, Nidhi and the board remain optimistic about what lies ahead.
For Frank, the work continues much as it began – by listening, learning and leading alongside the community.
You can also read Frank Braccia’s original ISS Leadership Spotlight from August 2025, reflections from when he accepted his position at Legacy School.
