Next Head of School Announced
The Island School Announces Next Head of School
The Island School is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has selected the next Head of School of The Island School for the 2027-2028 academic year. After an extensive search in partnership with RG175, Binney Caffrey will begin her tenure on July 1, 2027.
To The Island School Community,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Island School, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Binney Putnam Caffrey as Head of School, effective July 1, 2027. This appointment follows a comprehensive, inclusive, and thorough international search conducted by RG175, a renowned search group. The Island School Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Binney’s appointment based on the Search Committee’s recommendation, and the Cape Eleuthera Foundation’s Board of Directors also expressed unanimous support for this decision.
Binney is an educator at heart who has evolved into a strong and effective school leader. Her hallmark is fostering the growth of those around her, whether it be students, faculty, staff, or families. She believes in the importance of personal relationships and takes care to nurture them at all levels, creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and support. This is precisely the type of leader we need to thoughtfully guide The Island School into the future.
Most recently, Binney served as the Head of School at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida. Throughout her impressive tenure, she has not only strengthened the school’s financial standing but also expanded enrollment and academic offerings. Binney has actively fostered improvements in campus facilities, faculty growth, and the overall school culture.
The Island School Board of Directors recognizes that Binney brings emotional intelligence, operational experience, and strategic planning skills, which will be instrumental as we build on the cherished vision laid out by our founders. We are confident that Binney will be a wonderful asset to The Island School community as we embark on this exciting new chapter of leadership together.
The Search Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful community members for their generous contributions of time and expertise. Your support has been invaluable on the exciting journey to select the new Head of School for The Island School.
Please join us in welcoming Binney, her husband Andrew, their children JP and Nilla, and their two dogs, Mango and Kiwi.
Sincerely,
Francesca Forrestal and Ande Frost
Head of School Search Committee Co-Chairs
Dear Island School Community,
I am thrilled to write to you today and introduce myself as The Island School’s next Head of School. It is an honor to have been chosen to lead The Island School as it transitions from a founder’s remarkable vision and success to an organization that will persist and thrive for generations to come. For years, I have watched educators and students alike go to The Island School and come back energized and changed by the remarkable experiences they have had. I am elated to know I will soon join a community of colleagues so intently focused on living the mission of The Island School and inspiring tomorrow’s learners and leaders.
Growing up on the Atlantic coast of Florida, living in San Diego, CA for 20 years and visiting Abaco, The Bahamas throughout my life, the ocean and environmental sustainability have always been very close to my heart. To see this passion of mine paired so perfectly with the next school I will lead could not be a better next chapter, both personally and professionally. The Island School is a remarkable place, accomplishing so much for students of all ages while also propelling critical marine research. I can’t wait to further dive into the complexity of it all and understand how my experience in independent schools thus far can help support and grow the School from here.
I’d like to thank everyone who has been so helpful and supportive to me through the Head of School search process. The Search Committee was earnest and thoughtful through every step. It was evident from the start that they took their process seriously and understood how critical their work was. Additionally, the Island School community in Eleuthera welcomed me and my husband, Andrew, so warmly during my interview as we became even more enthusiastic about the opportunity. I could not be happier or more humbled that the many conversations and questions led us to where we find ourselves now.
I’ve always been a relational school leader, someone who builds trust and promotes clarity in order to work well with trustees, colleagues, students, alumni, parents, and community partners alike. I can already tell The Island School is a warm and connected community that will mesh well with my informal yet purposeful and productive style. Andrew and I, along with our children JP (20) and Nilla (17), and our two yellow labs, Mango and Kiwi, eagerly await getting to our next home. I look forward to meeting and getting to know many of you in the coming transition year.
With gratitude and sincerity,
Binney Caffrey
Binney Caffrey brings more than 26 years of experience in independent school education and a lifelong passion for teaching, learning, and community building. She most recently served as Head of School at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida, a position she has held since 2017.
A Florida native who grew up near The Pine School, Binney embraced the opportunity to return home and lead the school through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. During her nine-year tenure, she strengthened the school’s financial foundation, expanded enrollment by more than 30 percent, increased the endowment by over 50 percent, and launched a successful $25 million capital campaign. She oversaw the construction and opening of an $8.5 million, 24,000-square-foot arts and athletics building, deepened the school’s commitment to environmental education, and invested significantly in faculty development, employee compensation, and school culture. Under her leadership, The Pine School also adopted its first formal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access statement.
Prior to joining The Pine School, Binney spent 17 years at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California, where she served in a variety of leadership roles. She began her independent school career in 2000 after making the pivotal decision to leave her doctoral studies in economics and join the mathematics faculty at Bishop’s. Over the course of her tenure, she advanced from classroom teacher to Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Student Life, Dean of Studies, and ultimately held the Oliver Family Chair in Educational Leadership. In these roles, she contributed to strategic planning, policy development, budgeting, faculty recruitment and evaluation, enrollment strategy, financial aid, and cross-divisional leadership.
Binney earned a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Williams College. She is also a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy.
Throughout her career, Binney has been recognized as a thoughtful and mission-driven leader who combines strategic vision with a deep commitment to students, faculty, and community.
Her experience leading thriving independent schools, strengthening institutional culture, and advancing innovative educational programs makes her exceptionally well-positioned to guide The Island School into its next chapter.
Great Island School Community,
Pam and I are excited about the Board announcement naming Binney Caffrey to be our next Head of School, starting July 2027. I will continue to serve as Head of School until that time, and it is especially opportune that we have this next school year to prepare for this transition and for Binney to become better acquainted with our community. Binney is a proven community leader, bringing decades of school leadership to The Island School, and she and her husband, Andrew, are excited to join our Cape Eleuthera village.
We are full of gratitude to the Search Committee and Board leaders who volunteered long hours to manage this most critical process. The Island School has always been fortunate to have an amazing extended network of graduates, families, and colleagues who care so much about our good work.
In my final year as Head of School, I look forward to continuing to advance the school’s priorities. As The Island School approaches 30 years, there is great opportunity for our alumni to become proud Island School parents and continue to live our mission as leaders who know well how to serve and care for our ocean planet. Pam and I are grateful for the opportunity to support Binney during the year ahead and, in time, begin our own next chapter with confidence in the future of this remarkable community.
Thank you all for believing in this wonderful adventure. Thank you for joining us to celebrate and support Binney as our next Head of School at The Island School. Have a glorious summer, and we hope to see you soon.
Respectfully,
Chris and Pam Maxey
About The Island School
The Island School brings together students from pre-K through Ph.D., as well as world-renowned researchers, to create transformational learning experiences.
Based in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, The Island School has been creating unique, place-based educational opportunities for more than 25 years
Search Committee
The Island School’s Board of Directors worked with RG175, an executive search firm that specializes in sourcing talent for mission-driven organizations. Following this highly competitive search, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Binney Caffrey to lead The Island School into its next chapter.
Search Timeline
Communications
Click below to read our communications with our Circle about the Head of School search process.
Next Head of School Announced June 18, 2026
To The Island School Community,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Island School, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Binney Putnam Caffrey as Head of School, effective July 1, 2027. This appointment follows a comprehensive, inclusive, and thorough international search conducted by RG175. The Island School Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Binney’s appointment based on the Search Committee’s recommendation, and the Cape Eleuthera Foundation’s board also expressed unanimous support for this decision.
Binney is an educator at heart who has evolved into a strong and effective school leader. Her hallmark is fostering the growth of those around her, whether it be students, faculty, staff, or families. She believes in the importance of personal relationships and takes care to nurture them at all levels, creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and support. This is precisely the type of leader we need to thoughtfully guide The Island School into the future.
Most recently, Binney served as the Head of School at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida. Throughout her impressive tenure, she has not only strengthened the school’s financial standing but also expanded enrollment and academic offerings. Binney has actively fostered improvements in campus facilities, faculty growth, and the overall school culture.
The Island School Board of Directors recognizes that Binney brings emotional intelligence, operational experience, and strategic planning skills, which will be instrumental as we build on the cherished vision laid out by our founders. We are confident that Binney will be a wonderful asset to The Island School community as we embark on this exciting new chapter of leadership together.
The Search Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful community members for their generous contributions of time and expertise. Your support has been invaluable on the exciting journey to select the new Head of School for The Island School.
Please join us in welcoming Binney, her husband Andrew, their children JP and Nilla, and their two dogs, Mango and Kiwi.
Sincerely,
Francesca Forrestal and Ande Frost
Head of School Search Committee Co-Chairs
Head of School Candidates Visit Campus in South Eleuthera April 20, 2026
Dear Island School Community,
Our campus community has been buzzing with excitement this spring. Among our regular programming, we recently hosted our annual Spring 2026 Board of Directors meeting and Family Weekend, and we are looking forward to Earth Day and Giving Day celebrations. Amid these exciting events, we are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing Head of School search process.
We would like to begin by expressing our gratitude for your input in the Head of School search survey conducted in December by search consultants RG175. The RG175 team had the opportunity to visit campus, gather valuable feedback from School leaders, and understand our community and culture. These efforts informed the creation of our Position Statement, which describes our programs and the skills and values we are seeking in our next Head of School. This process has resulted in a strong and talented pool of applicants, who have been vetted and interviewed by the Search Committee.
Over the next two weeks, three finalists and their spouses will each visit our campus for two full days to meet with staff and immerse themselves in our vibrant community. Feedback and impressions gathered from staff will be included in the complete review of each candidate. The Board of Directors will consider the Search Committee’s recommendation and lead the selection of the next Head of School, and we look forward to sharing this exciting news in June or July, with an anticipated start date of July 2027.
Thank you for the many ways you support The Island School as we undertake this important work for its future.
Sincerely,
Francesca Forrestal F99, Chair of The Island School Board of Directors
Ande Frost PS09, PS13, PF14, Cape Eleuthera Foundation Board Member
Head of School Search Committee
The Island School Board of Directors
Francesca Forrestal F99, Chair
David Miller
George Giannos F10
Ed Fields
The Cape Eleuthera Foundation Board of Directors
Will Nystrom PS15, PF15, PS20/S21, Chair
Ande Frost PS09, PS13, PF14
Dominique Keefe S07, Vice Chair
Brian Lee F08
Community Survey Launch Email December 12, 2025
Dear Island School community,
As you know, the search for the next Head of School is underway. You are integral to the process as trusted members of our incredible and growing Island School family.
Your thoughts and feedback will collectively support the search for our next leader and a celebratory transition for Pam and Chris as they shift towards their next phase of life and work.
The link below will take you to a confidential and anonymous survey where you can share your thoughts on the current state of the School, its opportunities and challenges for the future, and the professional and personal qualities you feel are important for the next Head of School. All responses will be received directly by the external search committee and, if shared, will be presented as general themes.
Survey Link
This a reminder to please complete the survey by Wednesday, December 17 at 11:59PM EST.
Thank you for lending your voice to this important moment in our history.
With gratitude,
Francesca Forrestal F99, Chair of The Island School Board of Directors
Ande Frost PS09, PS13, PF14, Cape Eleuthera Foundation Board Member
Letter from Chris Maxey December 11, 2025
The Island School is under full sail like never before in our history, thanks to the amazing loyalty of our community of staff and program alumni, families, partners, and supporters. It is this group that will continue to guide and cheer us on and into our future. We invite your full participation as we explore what’s next for The Island School.
Pam and I are excited to have our Board leading a succession search for the next Head of School as I step down. While I serve in this role, we’re ensuring that time and thoughtful intention can be dedicated to finding the right leader to take over in July 2027. This transition marks the most important moment in our journey thus far. The Board has retained the services of a globally recognized search team, RG175, to lead this search and help guide The Island School over the horizon. Their team was just with us on campus last week and will work with us through 2027 to help support leadership and all in our village through the transition.
As an important member of our circle, we invite you to provide your thoughts on the current state of the School, its opportunities and challenges for the future, and the professional and personal qualities you feel are important for the next Head of School. You may have seen a request for this last week. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the link. We apologize for this. Please look out for another request for your input from our Board Chairs.
Thank you for believing in the all-important work of The Island School as we continue to launch leaders capable of effecting positive change in the world. We wish everyone a glorious Holiday and an amazing New Year! I told our great Fall 2025 Class at graduation that I am looking forward to being the proud grandfather of this amazing place, and we are excited to share that our granddaughter for real is due on Jan 1st. Let the conch horn sound loud!
Chris Maxey, Head of School
Please contact isleadershipsearch@islandschool.org with any questions.