Dear PBS Community,
It is with great delight and enthusiasm that the Phillips Brooks School Board of Trustees announces that Jennifer Bohnen will be our next Head of School effective July 1, 2025. The Board unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation to appoint Jennifer as the next Head of School following a rigorous national search process that included voices from our students, faculty, staff, administration, parents, and the Board of Trustees. She brings over 25 years of elementary and early childhood education and experience and has an outstanding track record of achievement as a classroom educator, school administrator, and leader.
Jennifer currently serves as the Head of School at the Green Hedges School, a preschool-grade 8 day school in Vienna, Virginia. Originally from Sonoma County, Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and two graduate degrees from George Washington University: a Master of Arts and EdS in Educational Leadership. She was also a fellow in the Klingenstein Head of School Fellowship program at Teachers College at Columbia University. Prior to Green Hedges, Jennifer was a California State Park supervisor, an elementary school teacher, and the Head of Lower School at Aspen Country Day School and Hillbrook School in Los Gatos.
Jennifer is described by colleagues throughout her career as an extraordinary leader and educator who is warm, collaborative, and inclusive to all members of a school community. She is a relationship builder with great expertise in teaching and school operations. Jennifer received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our Board, faculty, staff, administrators, and students during her campus visit, and we are so thrilled that our search attracted a leader and educator of her caliber.
Jennifer and her husband, Dave, look forward to returning to the Bay Area with their yellow lab, Nelson, to be closer to family. Their son, Colby, is a high school senior and will begin college next fall.
We are grateful to the entire school community for its engagement and support during this search process. We believe the results of this collective work will position PBS to thrive for decades to come. We express special thanks to our Head of School Search Committee for their extraordinary service and dedication. We would also like to thank our search consultant partners at RG175, Bodie Brizendine and Jerry Katz, for their guidance and partnership.
We know you will join us in congratulating Jennifer and welcoming her family to our community. We look forward to moving confidently into the future together!
With gratitude and joy,
|
Jenny Brokaw |
Marie Kayal |
A Message from Jennifer Bohnen
Dear PBS Community,
I am deeply honored and thrilled to become the next Head of School at Phillips Brooks School. PBS is a school that I have long admired. The School's mission, "to inspire students to love learning, to develop a spiritual nature, to communicate effectively, to be kind to others, and to respect the uniqueness of each person," speaks to who I am as an educator and leader. I am committed to upholding and promoting these values throughout my tenure.
From the moment I stepped onto your beautiful campus, the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Phillips Brooks community immediately struck me. Smiles greeted me, teachers welcomed me into their classroom, and students shared what makes PBS special. The community's dedication to diversity, courage, kindness, community, and love of learning were evident during my visit.
Phillips Brooks School has a rich history of nurturing curious minds and compassionate hearts. It is a place where students not only learn academically but also grow socially and emotionally. I am committed to upholding these values and fostering an environment where every child can flourish. Building on PBS's 40+ year reputation as a top-ranked independent school in the Bay Area, I am excited to lead and further enhance an already dynamic environment.
I am eager to get to know every member of the PBS community, including students, families, caregivers, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees. While my official start date is next July, I am excited to begin connecting with the community in the months ahead. Together, we will build a shared vision for a strong future, ensuring PBS remains a place where everyone thrives.
Thank you for welcoming me, my husband Dave, and our son Colby into the PBS family. We are excited to join such a dynamic and supportive community. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community.
Warmly,
Jennifer Bohnen
