Dear Castilleja Community,
With the New Year upon us—as well as final projects, performances, and exams—we are happy to share a few updates and announcements before the winter break begins.
First, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to thank everyone for their patience and support during this semester’s season of change. In September, we noted with optimism that Castilleja’s values would guide us as we chart the course ahead. That has certainly proven true. We are immensely grateful for the community’s shared focus on what’s best for our students and employees.
Next, an exciting announcement: We are delighted to share that Julia Russell Eells will join Castilleja next year as Interim Head of School for the 2024-25 school year. Julia most recently served as the Head of School at San Francisco University High School from 2013 to 2022. During her distinguished tenure, she led a transformational strategic design process, which adopted core values and a shared vision for the school. She oversaw the redesign of student wellness and support programming, development of a model for faculty and staff professional growth, and the launch of a progressive DEI stewardship and oversight committee. Julia also led assessment and curriculum reform for University High, as well as the opening of their athletic complex in Presidio National Park, among other accomplishments.
Julia met with trustees, faculty, and administrators at Castilleja last month, and she impressed us all with both her vision and leadership experience. In joining our team, she shared that she has a “deep belief in and admiration for the ‘women learning, women leading’ mission of Castilleja,” and that she is “pleased to be able to bring [her] extensive experience in independent school leadership” to our community.
Prior to her headship at University High School, Julia served as Head of School at Lincoln School in Rhode Island from 2005 to 2013. Earlier in her career, she held a variety of leadership roles at Miss Porter’s School and The Ethel Walker School, both in Connecticut, and was assistant director of Admissions at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Julia is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith, and earned a Master’s degree from Wesleyan University. Her husband John is also an educator, and served as music director of the Golden State Youth Orchestra when the Eells lived in San Francisco. They have two grown children and two granddaughters.
While Julia’s tenure as Interim Head of School formally starts in July, she will begin working for Castilleja almost immediately. Starting in January, she will be on campus for several stretches of time throughout the winter and spring, getting to know Castilleja students, employees, families, and alumnae, as well as learning about our traditions and values. Also during this period, she will support the Board and Acting Head of School Kathy Layendecker on important strategic projects.
We want to again thank Kathy for her hard work and dedication over the past semester as Acting Head. She has ensured the continuity of our school and upheld its high standards, providing an open door and constant presence to reassure our community. We are grateful and fortunate to have Kathy serving as Acting Head for the remainder of this pivotal academic year.
We look forward to introducing Julia at the All Parent-Guardian meeting on January 18th.
We will also have updates in January on the search process for Castilleja’s next long-term Head of School.
Until then, we wish the entire Castilleja community a happy and restful winter break. See you in 2024!