Head of School Search
The Board of Trustees has launched a national search for Beaver’s next Head of School. This moment marks an important step in the life of the school—one grounded in reflection, care, and thoughtful planning as Beaver looks ahead to its next chapter.
Throughout the process, the Board remains focused on upholding Beaver’s mission, ensuring continuity and stability for students and faculty, and identifying a leader who will build on the school’s strengths while guiding Beaver forward with vision and integrity.
Beaver has navigated moments of change before and emerged stronger because of its people, values, and deep commitment to students. This search reflects that same confidence in the school’s direction and in the community that makes Beaver what it is.
The Board expects to appoint Beaver’s next Head of School in Fall 2026, with a start date of July 1, 2027.
The Process
The Board of Trustees is conducting this national search in partnership with RG175, a search firm that works exclusively with independent schools. Our lead consultants are Tom Olverson and Rebecca Upham, both seasoned leaders with deep roots in Boston’s independent school community. They know Beaver, and they get what makes it special.
Position statement coming soon.
The Timeline
March-June 2026: Recruitment of Candidates + Interviews
June 2026: Selection of Finalists
September 2026: Finalist Visits
October 2026: Selection of new Head of School
The Committee
A committed group of individuals has been assembled who care deeply about Beaver and reflect a wide range of roles and perspectives across the community. This group brings not only professional expertise but also experience as parents, faculty, alumni, administrators, and trustees.
The committee will be chaired by Wendy Fischman, who brings a background in education and leadership from her work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as a personal connection to Beaver as a parent and as a proud alum.
Chair
Wendy Fischman ’89
Wendy Fischman ’89
Trustee; Parent ’25Members
Shamikhah Baker
Shamikhah Baker
Director of Enrollment Management; Parent ’24, ’29Heather Coughlin
Heather Coughlin
Trustee; Parent ’22, ’26Perry Eaton
Perry Eaton
English Department Head; Upper School FacultyKathleen Kosberg
Kathleen Kosberg
Middle School Faculty; Parent ’27, ’29Peter Saperstone
Peter Saperstone
Former Trustee; Parent ’18, ’21Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith
Trustee; Parent ’30Eric Svenson
Eric Svenson
Trustee; Parent ’27Joanna Travis
Joanna Travis
Trustee; Parent ’23Jodi Walker
Jodi Walker
Trustee; Parent ’22, ’24Ex-Officio
Julie Marcus
Julie Marcus
Board President; Parent ’22, ’25, ’28Interim Leadership
Sarah Pelmas is serving as Interim Head of School through June 30, 2027.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience—most recently as Head of School at The Winsor School for nearly a decade—and deep knowledge of the Boston market. She has also served in administrative positions at independent schools nationwide, including Associate Head and Head of Upper School at National Cathedral High School in Washington, D.C., and the Dean of Students at San Francisco University High School, where she began her career as an Upper School English teacher.
As a former Beaver parent (Class of 2025), Sarah embodies genuine affection for our school and community, a strong sense of purpose, and deep alignment with the Beaver mission.
As a past Beaver parent, I’ve seen firsthand how Beaver sparks creativity, independence, and curiosity in every student—skills they’ll carry into college and beyond. Drawing on my experience in independent schools, I celebrate Beaver’s student-centered approach and its bold commitment to reimagining school to ensure our students are ready for the world ahead.
Sarah Pelmas, Interim Head of School