Head of School transition
above: Meredith deChabert will be Gordon's next Head of School. Learn more about Meredith at www.gordonschool.org/meredith
What's next?
June 2025
The Head's Transition Committee invites everyone to share insider's tips to the Ocean State at www.gordonschool.org/meredithwelcome
July 1st
Meredith becomes Gordon's next Head of School!
The process so far
Wednesday, January 24th, 2024
Gordon shared the news that Noni Thomas López, Gordon's Head of School since 2018, had accepted a position as the Head of School at Poly Prep Country Day in Brooklyn.
Gordon shared the news that Noni Thomas López, Gordon's Head of School since 2018, had accepted a position as the Head of School at Poly Prep Country Day in Brooklyn.
Dr. Thomas López shared a letter with the community
Board Chair Damian Ewens also shared a letter
Thursday, February 8th
It was announced that Gordon had engaged Carney, Sandoe and Associates to help lead the search.
Wednesday, February 22nd
The search committee roster, with a mix of trustees, administrators and faculty, was shared with faculty and staff.
A survey was posted online to gather input from parents and caregivers, faculty and staff.
Monday, February 26th and Tuesday, February 27th
Ben Bolte and Heather Flewelling of Carney Sandoe and Associates came to campus for two days of visits. This visit, and the results of their survey of the community, were used to create an in-depth opportunity statement that was shared with candidates across the country.
An April 2nd update explained...
The committee will be inviting a finalist pool to visit our campus, likely in late April and May. These visits will include opportunities, formal and informal, for all constituencies to connect with candidates and meet the person who will be Gordon’s next Head of School. All of this will put us on track to announce our decision before the end of the school year.
Early May
Gordon had three inspiring, thorough visits from candidates that saw dozens of community members thoughtfully participating in each open meeting.
Monday, May 20th
The Board of Trustees announced that Meredith deChabert would be Gordon's next Head of School. Learn more about Meredith at www.gordonschool.org/meredith
The Board of Trustees announced that Meredith deChabert would be Gordon's next Head of School. Learn more about Meredith at www.gordonschool.org/meredith
Thursday, August 15th
The transition committee introduced themselves to the community with this letter, laying out an outline for the year ahead.
Friday, October 18th
The Head of School transition committee hosted a conversation about the transition process with parents.
Friday, November 1st
Meredith visited Providence and participated in the Early Childhood Open House. While she was here, she was able to share meals with alumni, the leadership team, and the GCA grade representatives.
January 24th to January 27th, 2025
Meredith experienced Gordon's annual Beloved Community Day and met with school leadership.
February 12th
Noni shared that the timeline for her departure from Gordon had moved up, and that she would no longer be Gordon's Head of School.
February 14th
Board Chair Damian Ewens detailed the plan for the leadership of the school in an email to parents and faculty.
Meredith shared a message with faculty and staff about the transition.
March 7th, 2025
Meredith reached out to families, faculty and staff to talk about the ways Gordon's work is resonating beyond the campus.
April 2025
Meredith came to campus for a faculty and staff professional development day, and met with faculty, staff, students and trustees, as well as the Head's Advisory Council, the 1910 Society, and other on-campus groups.
May 2025
Meredith connected virtually with the crowd at Grandfriend's Day and with seventh graders who were contemplating running for Student Leadership Council President.
The transition committee
Nicole Archibald
Clare Blackmer
Damian Ewens
Rebecca Garfield
Geoff Griffin
Veronica Jutras
Ryan Mitchner
Alexandra O’Connor
Besenia Rodriguez, committee chair
Santana Sluss
The Head of School transition committee