On March 5, Head of School Russell Shaw and Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Blum sent an email to the GDS community, announcing that Shaw would depart GDS after next school year.
Shaw is set to depart in June 2026, making the 2025-2026 school year his last. Shaw became GDS’ fifth head of school in 2010. His planned sixteen-year tenure stands at an average length of tenure across eighty years and five heads of school in GDS history. Third Head of School Gladys Stern still holds a record tenure of 21 years.
The email contained two letters, one from Shaw and the other from Blum. In his letter, Shaw said he decided to leave the school because his wife accepted a job in Colorado, and because his youngest child will graduate this year. “I feel profound gratitude,” he said in the email, reflecting on his time at GDS. “I’m grateful to our students, who are the living embodiment of hope and possibility and whom I feel confident will help bend the arc toward a more just world.” The 2025-2026 school year will also mark the eightieth anniversary of GDS.
In his letter, Blum wrote that the Head of School Search Committee will begin looking for a new Head of School immediately. “We will keep you informed throughout this process and we welcome your thoughts as we embark on this important and exciting transition,” he wrote.
The search committee is co-chaired by incoming Board Chair Donald Saelinger and Board member Otey Smith. Blum said the committee would share public details on the selection process within weeks of the announcement.
Blum’s letter emphasized Shaw’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and campus unification. Blum also lauded the growth of the financial aid budget, large increase in the school’s endowment and record high admissions applications under Shaw’s leadership.
“I felt a sense of dread and shock when I first read the email,” junior Zoya Mghenyi said. “Russell is such a constant.”
“When I first heard he [Shaw] was leaving, I was a little worried for the school,” freshman Cia Carr said. “I think it’s going to be difficult to find someone as good as him since he’s been here so long and knows the school so well.”
“I was really surprised and upset about hearing that Russell was leaving,” sophomore Sophie Lim said. “I didn’t expect him to ever leave really as he is such a big part of GDS, but I wish him luck in everything and I know everyone will really miss him.”
“I think it’s definitely sad, and it will be a big change, but I am also happy for him that he’s moving on,” senior Sofia Moen said.
Sophomore Reagan Turner thought Shaw’s departure was sudden. “The first time I saw the email, I thought, ‘wow! this is kind of random,” she said. “It’s just going to be weird adjusting to the new head of school.”
Mghenyi also said she admired Shaw’s friendliness. “I’ve been impressed by how long Russell [Shaw] has known me and remembered my name,” she said. “He’s always saying ‘hi’ to people. You can tell he cares about the students at GDS and cares about making sure everyone is feeling their best, doing their best and having a good time.”
Tenth Grade Dean and science teacher Greg Dallinger told the Bit Shaw would often stop by while Dallinger was teaching and listen to what students were learning in class. “It’s those smaller interactions that to me are one of the things that made him such an effective leader of the school,” he said.
“He [Shaw] is willing to take the time for every kid to learn what their name is and make sure to say ‘hi’ to them personally. It makes it feel like you’re seen in the community,” junior Arohi Narayan said.
“I came to GDS the same year Russell did, and I can’t imagine this place without him. He has done so many great things for the school and he will certainly be missed,” math teacher Lee Goldman said.