Gus Krantz

Joining the faculty in 1967, Gus Krantz was a major contributor to The Gifford School story and its history. Gus was a professional football player at one time and then became the head of manual arts and athletic programs at Gifford. He was large in size and stature, but those around him found him to be gentle, relaxed, informal, and patient. His warm manner and athletic expertise were comforting to students who were not used to large, gentle men.

Gus developed Gifford’s first “outward bound” camping program, known as The Pathfinders, which featured weekend “adventure challenge” trips during every season.

Gus became Associate Director of the School in 1970 and was of great assistance to the school’s founder. It was his vision about the potential of our magnificent campus in Weston that helped Gifford make the move from Cambridge to its present location. After Margaret passed away, the Board of Directors asked Gus to stay on as Executive Director. He remained at Gifford until he left to begin his own special education program in Danvers called The Wreath School. Gus based that program on the Outward Bound model.