Leading the Future of Good Shepherd
At Good Shepherd Episcopal School, we are defined by our commitment to inspiring students to learn with confidence, serve with compassion, and lead with courage. This mission, anchored by our Six Core Values, serves as the launchpad for a search process rooted in institutional strength and a bold vision for what comes next.
After 14 years of transformative growth — ten as our Head of School — Dr. Julie McLeod has announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. She leaves a school that is not just thriving, but purposefully evolving. Our next Head of School will inherit a "future-ready" campus, including a new regulation-sized gym and storm shelter, and a community of courageous thinkers ready to push the boundaries of what a prekindergarten through eighth grade education can achieve.
A Special Message from Dr. Julie McLeod, Head of School, and Paula Hart, President, Board of Trustees
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about A Special Message from Dr. Julie McLeod, Head of School, and Paula Hart, President, Board of Trustees
The Foundations of Our Search
Our search is rooted in the belief that a great school is built upon a great mission. We are looking for a leader who resonates deeply with the pillars that sustain our community.
A leader who champions inquiry-based learning and technological innovation.
A guardian of our Episcopal identity and spiritual growth.
A connector who ensures Good Shepherd remains a place where everyone in our community feels like they belong, knowing that learning and growth happen best in community.
A leader committed to the inherent "divine spark" within every student, employee, and community member.
A steward who models empathy and community engagement.
A visionary who acts as a faithful steward of the many gifts we have, while looking to our future growth as a sacred trust for future generations.
The responsibility for selecting our next Head of School rests with the GSES Board of Trustees. To guide this work, the Board has formed a Search Committee and partnered with Carney, Sandoe & Associates to identify a leader who will embrace our Episcopal identity and lead our Cougars into an extraordinary next chapter.
Chaired by Dr. Elizabeth "Bet" Todd, the Search Committee is comprised of dedicated members of our community, including trustees, parents, and clergy, representing a wide breadth of perspectives.
Bet Todd, Chair, Search Committee; Parent of Alum ‘03, ‘06
Paula Hart, President, Board of Trustees; Grandparent ‘30, ‘31
Tara Flume, Vice President, Board of Trustees; Parent ‘27, ‘30
Ken Moore, Secretary, Board of Trustees; Parent ‘29, ‘31
Justin Kimble, Executive Committee; Parent ‘28, Parent of Alum ‘22
The Rev. Michael Mills, Executive Committee; Rector, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Kim Cocotos, Chair, Advancement Committee; Parent ‘26, Parent of Alum ‘24
Tom Garrison, Chair, Head Support and Evaluation Committee; Principal, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Wyn Smith, Chair, Audit and Assets Committees; Parent ‘30, ‘32
A Purposeful Transition
This timeline reflects our commitment to a thoughtful, transparent process. Our goal is to identify a leader who will continue to inspire our students to learn with confidence, serve with compassion, and lead with courage.
Recent Communications
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frequently asked questions
- Why is Dr. McLeod retiring now?
- What is the timeline for the search, and when will the new Head be named?
- What happens during the 2026-27 school year?
- Who makes the final decision on the new Head of School?
- How can parents and faculty participate in the process?
- Is the search limited to the Dallas area?
- How will the Fit For Our Future capital campaign be affected?