Futura Learning Partnership is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dave Baker, the founding CEO of Olympus Academy Trust. His contribution to improving the lives of thousands of colleagues and young people in our region over decades cannot be overestimated. Our CEO Gary Schlick pays tribute:
It has been deeply moving to read the many tributes to Dave since his sudden and untimely passing.
Recently I was in a couple of meetings with Dave and, as usual, he had been very laid back and pragmatic about the issue we were discussing. As a person who is often reassuring others not to panic, I knew I could always rely on Dave to give me a measured response when I was agitated by an issue. I will miss the ‘I wouldn’t worry about it’ advice.
One of Dave’s great strengths was his ability to network; he seemed to know everyone in the education world. Dave certainly used his height, his bald head and his bow tie to great effect in this regard. They were all useful reference points when describing him to others. The bow tie was, of course, a key part of Dave’s look. I remember, about 15 years ago, Dave was in the local paper detailing his punctuality drive at Bradley Stoke School, where he was Head. The article was accompanied by a picture of Dave, wearing bow tie, outside the front of the school with a large clock that showed the time as 2.30. The top comment on the online version, that Dave particularly enjoyed, aid “how can Dave Baker moan to pupils about being late for school when he is clearly going off to play snooker at 2.30 in the afternoon.”
Dave was passionate about the ability of trusts to improve life chances for children and his belief that by working together we could achieve even greater things. He demonstrated this passion by leading the development of the south west trust leaders network; by personally supporting trusts and leaders whenever asked and by freely sharing Olympus resources. This seems more usual now, especially in the South West region, but 10 years ago this was not how the education landscape was developing. Dave’s professional generosity at all levels set him apart from other leaders.
Dave has been a friend and colleague for many years but I have worked very closely with him over the last 18 months, as Olympus and Futura have worked together in the development of our new trust, Halcyon. Dave’s input, advice and guidance has been invaluable as we navigate the road to January when we formally merge. It seems even more cruel that Dave was only a few months away from moving to a part time role, though I have a feeling this would not necessarily have led meant a slow down in pace. I do know Dave was looking forward to a different stage of his career.
Dave will be sorely missed by me, by the many leaders whose careers have been impacted by his support and by the education sector that has benefited from his passion and wisdom.
