Head of School Elaine White Announces Retirement in 2027

On April 20, Westminster’s Head of School, Elaine White, announced that she will retire from Westminster School at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. Elaine became Westminster’s ninth Head of School in 2021 after a successful 33-year tenure at The Governor’s Academy, where she served in many significant leadership roles including Assistant Head of School, Interim Director of Advancement, Academic Dean, and Chair of
the English Department. 

When Elaine and her husband, Chris, arrived on Williams Hill, they immersed themselves in the Westminster community and embraced the school’s mission and ethos with profound understanding and remarkable passion. Elaine guided the school thoughtfully and successfully in her first year as the world emerged from the global pandemic and her intentional and optimistic leadership reenergized the faculty, deepened the focus on
student well-being, and strengthened the community.

During her tenure, Elaine led an inclusive and comprehensive strategic planning process resulting in a plan that guided Elaine’s work and her many accomplishments over the last five years. With transformative faculty-student relationships at the heart of the Westminster experience, Elaine invested in faculty, students, and academics with the establishment of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. This integrated center
provides enhanced professional development and mentorship for faculty as well as academic coaching, subject-specific support, and dedicated writing and math resources for all students.

Elaine also initiated a comprehensive review of Westminster’s academic program to ensure that it prioritized skill development, interdisciplinary connection, student engagement, and thoughtful integration of technology. Finally, Elaine made investments in critical areas—expanding the capacity and work of the college counseling office, restructuring the Dean’s Office and the disciplinary philosophy, reinvigorating the student life program, and increasing support and wellness resources for Westminster students.
 
“This decision comes with deep gratitude and a profound appreciation for the community that has defined our time on Williams Hill,” said Elaine. “We will remain fully engaged, supporting our students, partnering with faculty and staff, and advancing the priorities that will sustain Westminster into the future. This is not a farewell, but the beginning of a year of continued work together.”

The search process will be led by trustee Christopher J. Campbell ’91 P’24, who will chair an inclusive search committee with trustees, faculty, alumni, and parents. The committee will be assisted by RG175, a search firm for independent school leadership positions.

“We are confident that Westminster’s reputation for excellence will draw a diverse group of highly qualified and interested candidates and that we will be in a strong position to select our next Head of School,” said Chair of the Board Renée Lynch Carrel ’84, P’19, ’21. “The Board and I look forward to working with the entire Westminster community in the months ahead.”