Westminster School Head of School Announces 2021 Departure

Westminster School’s head of school, Bill Philip, has announced that he will be stepping down from his position and departing Westminster as of June 30, 2021, following a 38-year tenure at the school.

Philip became Westminster’s eighth head of school in 2010, and under his leadership, transformation of the campus according to the school’s master plan has taken place with the building of a new dining hall, a new student center, three new dormitories and other faculty residences, and a new turf field. He has also spearheaded with trustees the school’s endowment campaign, Soar Together, which is focused on generating support for students and faculty and has had unprecedented success. More recently, he led transition efforts to distance learning this past spring and, this summer, has led planning to reopen campus in the fall.

“Most importantly, throughout this period of growth, Bill has ensured that Westminster remained true to itself and our community ethos of Grit and Grace, which has resulted, not surprisingly, in a robust school community with a strong student body, continuity in faculty, including numerous alumni, and a spirit that is familiar to all of us,” said Chair of the Westminster School Board of Trustees Brad Raymond in a letter to the school community.

Philip was appointed to the Westminster faculty in 1983, and before becoming head of school, he served as assistant headmaster, associate headmaster, director of studies, director of college counseling and senior development director, all while teaching history for 25 years. He also was a corridor and dormitory supervisor, a coach of swimming, baseball and lacrosse, and a sought-after advisor for hundreds of students. He and his spouse, Jenny, raised their two daughters on campus.

“As Jenny and I look forward to the next stage in our lives, which we hope will include plenty of travel and much more time with family — opportunities which our totally immersive devotion to school life have necessarily postponed — we know that Westminster School will continue to flourish with the energy and optimism that accompany new leadership,” said Philip.

“Bill has and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of Westminster students, faculty, administration and staff, as well as the broader school community,” said Raymond. “His wisdom runs deep and his passion for Westminster is unrivaled.”

A search committee that consists of trustees, current and past parents, alumni and faculty has been appointed to select a new head of school. The committee will be assisted by Carney, Sandoe & Associates, a nationally recognized educational search firm.

“The search is an opportunity for us, as a school community, to recognize who we are today and to explore where we need to go,” said Raymond, who chairs the committee. “We will focus not only on our deeply rooted strengths and proud tradition but as importantly on new educational goals for the world in which our children live.”