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.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who demonstrates genuine investment in learning and encourages others to do the same.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who contributes to a respectful and meaningful spiritual environment.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who consistently strengthens the social fabric of the classroom or grade.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who consistently models respect, even in challenging situations.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who regularly chooses to support and uplift others.
Over time, this looks like:
A student who demonstrates responsibility and thoughtful decision-making.
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
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
Community members are invited to share their input or questions with the search committee at hos-search@gsesdalllas.org. For candidate inquiries, please reach out directly to Carney, Sandoe & Associates.
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
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?