Head of School Search
The Island School Begins Search for Next Head of School
After more than two decades of visionary leadership and dedication, Chris Maxey, The Island School’s Founder and current Head of School, will transition from his role as Head of School while continuing to serve as a dedicated Founder.
We are now charting the course for our next chapter. With the support of our Board of Directors and under the guidance of RG175, we are searching for a leader who will champion our values, inspire our students and faculty, and guide The Island School into its next chapter of growth and impact.
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
This process will be guided by RG175, a highly-respected executive search group that specializes in independent school leadership searches. Their team will work alongside our staff and Board of Directors to identify the qualities of our next leader.
Inquiries and Applications
All inquiries and applications may be directed to RG175.
An application includes:
- Letter of interest (cover letter)
- Resume or CV
- An educational or leadership philosophy statement
- A writing sample of choice (optional, and submitted as part of a single PDF with the
philosophy statement) - Names of five current references and contact information (the references will not be
contacted until the finalist stage of the process.)
THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION MATERIALS IS FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2026.
For any questions or further information about the position, please contact the consultants below, but only do so with an accompanying resume or CV:
Tony Featherston: tfeatherston@rg175.com
Bob Henderson: rhenderson@rg175.com
Marcia Spiller: marcia.spiller@rg175.com
Search Timeline
Communications
Click below to read our communications with our Circle about the Head of School search process.
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
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