Dear Island School Community,On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Todd Nelson as The Island School's next Head of School, beginning June 21, 2027.This is an exciting moment in our school's nearly 50-year history. Following a thoughtful and comprehensive search, we are confident that we have found a leader whose experience, educational philosophy, and genuine enthusiasm for The Island School make him exceptionally well-suited to guide our school into its next chapter.Todd brings 30 years of experience in elementary education, including 18 years at The Barstow School, an independent school in Kansas City, Missouri, where he currently serves as Director of Lower School. His career began in the classroom as an art teacher, an experience that continues to shape his belief that children learn best by doing, creating, exploring, and engaging with the world around them. Throughout his career, Todd has demonstrated a deep commitment to joyful, rigorous, whole-child education. At Barstow, he has led curriculum development, supported and developed exceptional educators, strengthened community partnerships, and championed hands-on, project-based learning. Beyond his professional accomplishments, we were struck by Todd's genuine appreciation for our school's culture and community. He believes deeply in the importance of knowing each child as an individual, supporting teachers as creative professionals, and creating opportunities for children to learn through nature, exploration, and meaningful experiences. Please hear more from Todd in his own words, below.Todd's selection follows an extensive search process that brought three finalists to The Island School to meet with students, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees. The Search Committee carefully considered a broad range of information, including behavioral-based interviews, professional experience and qualifications, reference checks, and feedback from across our school community. Each perspective helped us develop a fuller understanding of the candidates and their potential to lead our school. We are especially grateful to the parents, faculty, staff, and students who participated in candidate visits and shared their thoughtful, candid feedback. Your engagement reflected the deep care this community has for The Island School and its future.I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the members of our Search Committee for the extraordinary time, care, and dedication they brought to this important decision. I am also grateful to our entire community for the engagement, thoughtfulness, and trust you have demonstrated throughout the search.As The Island School approaches its 50th anniversary, we have much to celebrate and an exciting future ahead. We are delighted to welcome Todd and his family to our community and look forward to the next chapter of joyful learning and leading with kindness.With gratitude and excitement,GreerBoard ChairThe Island School

Dear Island School Community,I am honored and delighted to join The Island School as your next Head of School.When I visited, what struck me immediately was the sense of community that permeates everything at The Island School. The faculty's dedication to students' academic, social, and emotional growth is evident in every space. Leading a student-centered, experiential school like TIS is a dream come true, and I knew right away that this is the school I want to lead.One of the highlights of my visit was sitting down with students. I was impressed by the depth of their questions and by their sense of humor. They clearly care about their school and took seriously their role in helping choose its next head. I'm eager to continue our conversation.The faculty are thoughtful practitioners who were comfortable digging into pedagogy and current best practices. I felt surrounded by experts who are fully committed to the holistic success of their students.I'm excited to work closely with the Board of Trustees to understand what has made The Island School successful for nearly 50 years and to explore the opportunities ahead. My early priority will be listening and learning, then partnering with the Board on a plan that honors what makes TIS unique while helping it grow. I also look forward to getting to know the families and staff who make this community so special.Moving to the Pacific Northwest fulfills a 30-year dream for me, and my wife and I instantly fell in love with the beauty and charm of Bainbridge Island. Our daughters, Eleanor and Edie, are curious about island life and can't wait to visit. Our family loves national parks, and being within easy driving distance of three is a thrill. As an avid off-road cyclist, I was also glad to meet two mountain bikers in The Island School community who assure me the riding nearby is excellent.I embrace this opportunity with great enthusiasm and am eager to continue The Island School's tradition of joyful learning, where every student is known and celebrated.Sincerely,Todd Nelson