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INTRODUCTION

In March of 2025, Polly Brandmeyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Gateway School, announced the upcoming retirement of Laurie Gruhn, Gateway's Head of School, beginning July of 2026. 

This page will provide ongoing updates of the search process. Please contact us if you have any questions.​​

Updates

Search Committee

Recognizing the profound importance of selecting the next Head of School, the Board of Trustees has formed a Search Committee. This committee, comprised of the Board's Executive Committee, will leverage their extensive knowledge of The Gateway School, ensuring that Gateway chooses an incoming Head of School who will build on the school's strong foundation: its mission, program, and commitment to student success. This vital process will be strategic, mission-driven, and thoughtful. 

Supporting this work will be an Advisory Committee comprised of esteemed members of Gateway’s faculty and staff.

Search Committee

Christopher York, Search Committee Chair, Trustee, Current Gateway Parent

Polly Brandmeyer, Chair, Board of Trustees, Former Gateway Parent

Patrick Brennan, Trustee, Gateway Parent

Leslie de Oliveira, Trustee, Gateway Parent

Sandhya Espitia, Trustee, Gateway Parent

Katherine Grier, Trustee Ex Officio, Parents Association Co-President, Gateway Parent

Jennifer Mitchell, Trustee

Advisory Committee

John Banta, Grandstand Teacher

Christy M. Brockhausen, Ph.D., Assistant Head of School & Director of Lower School

Tanya Ehrlich, Director of Placement

Heather Ironside, Director of Admissions

Julie Nguyen, Director of Middle School

Valerie Rafal, Director of Mathematics

Maureen Ryan, Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Joseph Sonenshein, Head Teacher

 

This is an inspiring time for Gateway. The school is well-positioned. Our academic program is top-notch, admission inquiries are strong, and our finances are stable. Our next Head of School will be the beneficiary of the strong foundation that is in place, and they will have the opportunity to partner with the community, envisioning and creating strategic initiatives to drive our mission forward, and ensure we grow our reputation as thought leaders and vanguards of language-based learning differences.

Polly Brandmeyer, Chair, Board of Trustees

 

Search Firm

The Gateway School has partnered with Resource Group 175 (“RG175”) to assist in the important search for the next Head of School. RG175 is one of the leading search firms for independent schools in the U.S. and abroad. They bring 22 years of experience, a vast network of potential candidates, and extensive knowledge about independent schools. John Farber will be leading Gateway's search team from RG175. 

Position Statement

Learn more about the role. Click below to read the Position Statement for The Gateway School's Head of School:

Head of School Position Statement

Who We Are

Who We Are