Our FAQs document has answers to frequently asked questions about the search process, anticipated timeline, community engagement, and leadership transition.
Head of School Search
In August 2026, Ben Thrash announced to the Barrie community that he will complete his tenure as Head of School in June 2027.
As Barrie looks ahead to leadership continuity, the Board of Trustees has launched a national search for the School’s next Head of School. Guided by Barrie’s mission, values, and commitment to progressive education, the search will seek input from our community as we identify the person who will lead Barrie's future.
The Board has appointed a Head of School Search Committee to lead this important work in partnership with Educational Directions, a nationally recognized independent school leadership search firm. We are committed to keeping the Barrie community informed and engaged throughout the process. This page will serve as the central resource for search updates, important documents, and opportunities for community participation.
"The path ahead for Barrie is exciting. Nearing its 100th year anniversary, Barrie continues to move forward, strengthened by the many skilled and caring people who are deeply committed to this community."
- Ben Thrash
"We know that there is no greater responsibility than our obligation to select a Head of School who will build on Ben's legacy of excellence and inclusion, and under whose leadership Barrie School will continue to thrive."
- Janet Rutledge, Board Chair
Search Resources
Head of School Position Profile
The Head of School Position Profile is now being distributed with all job postings as the search officially launches for our next Head of School. Developed with extensive feedback from faculty, staff, students, parents, and the board of trustees during the search consultants’ campus visit in mid-September and the all‑community survey, the profile captures Barrie’s mission, progressive educational model, and the priorities that will shape our next chapter. It offers candidates a thoughtful, community‑informed portrait of Barrie’s mission, values, and the opportunities ahead.
September Campus Visit
Our Educational Directions search consultants, Jay Underwood, Highley Thompson, and Rachael Beare, will be on campus Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18. During their visit, they will meet with as many members of the Barrie community as possible, including faculty and staff, Board members, students, and parents. Their primary goal is to listen, learn, and gain a deep understanding of Barrie: what makes the school special, where it is today, and where it hopes to go next under the new head’s leadership.
Parents and caregivers can share thoughts and ideas with the search consultants during Community Forums on Thursday, September 17, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. in the Upper Elementary Commons or Friday, September 18, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in Strauss Gym.
Community Input Survey
If you are unable to attend one of the Community Forums on September 17 and 18, or if you have additional insights you'd like to share, please complete this anonymous survey by September 21. We would love to hear from you. Community Survey.
Communications
We are committed to communicating regularly with the Barrie community throughout the search. Updates and important communications will be shared here as the process progresses.
Sep 8, 2026 | Head of School Search: Community Update & Opportunities for Input
An update shared with the Barrie community regarding the launch of the Head of School search webpage, the search consultants’ upcoming campus visit, and opportunities for families to participate through forums and a community survey.
Aug 24, 2026 | Important Announcement from Barrie’s Head of School and Chair of the Board of Trustees
An important update shared with the Barrie community regarding Ben’s decision to complete his tenure as Head of School in June 2027 and the leadership transition ahead.
Head of School Search Committee
The Board of Trustees has appointed a Search Committee to lead the process of identifying Barrie School’s next Head of School. Working in partnership with Educational Directions, the Committee will guide the search process, consider community input, evaluate candidates, and make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
Search Committee Members
The Search Committee is made up of the following Barrie School Trustees:
- Julia Roberts, Search Committee Chair
- Janet Rutledge, Chair, Board of Trustees
- Richard Ewing
- John Glennon
- Karla Holloran
- Bob Roberts
Community Advisory Committees
Community participation will be an important part of Barrie’s Head of School search. Faculty, staff, parents, and families will have opportunities to share their perspectives and help inform the Search Committee’s understanding of the qualities, experience, and leadership priorities most important for Barrie’s next chapter.
Two advisory committees will provide additional perspectives throughout the search process while the Search Committee retains formal responsibility for leading the search and making its recommendation to the Board of Trustees. The two committees are made up of the following school community members:
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Faculty & Staff Advisory Committee
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Parent & Family Advisory Committee
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