Head of School TRANSITION

On March 12, Steve de Beer announced his plan to retire as Head of Westside School at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

During the past six years, Steve has brought a culture of community and collaboration, growing enrollment to more than 400 students and navigating the school through a pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. By the end of his tenure, Steve will have completed initiatives to improve teacher compensation, to bring a much-needed focus on DEIB, and to expand program offerings and learning support. He led the launch of a new preschool with a beautiful facility, orchestrated a rigorous once-in-a-decade re-accreditation process, and revitalized Westside community engagement. We will all miss his energy, his endless optimism, and his high-fives at the front door!

Welcome Dr. Daryl Wright

Incoming Westside Head of School

We are incredibly excited to announce that Dr. Daryl Wright has accepted the invitation from the Board of Trustees to be the next Head of School at Westside School, effective July 1, 2025.

Announcing Westside's incoming head of school (10/8/24)

A Message from Dr. Daryl Wright

Dear Westside School Community,

I am honored to introduce myself as the next Head of School at Westside School. As I step into this vibrant community, I feel excited and grateful. Westside has a rich tradition of fostering not just academic excellence but also nurturing the unique potential of every child and cultivating a joy for learning. I am thrilled to join you on this extraordinary journey.

During my visit to the campus, I was struck by the warmth and enthusiasm that permeated the hallways. The faculty's unwavering dedication, the students' boundless joy, and the support of families create a unique tapestry that defines the school's mission. It was clear to me from the beginning that Westside is more than just a school; it is a community where curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is celebrated, and joy is in the air.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I am committed to ensuring that our school remains a place where students can explore their passions, develop their talents, and grow into compassionate, confident individuals. I firmly believe that education is a partnership. I eagerly look forward to working closely with each of you—parents, teachers, staff, and, of course, our amazing students—to create an environment where everyone thrives. In the coming months, as my wife, Stacey, our daughters Maddie (13) and Maya (10), and I prepare for our move from Boston, we are excited to meet more community members and strengthen relationships already begun.

As I prepare for my arrival in July 2025, I am eager to hear your thoughts and aspirations for our school. Your insights will be invaluable as we build upon the school's already strong foundation. For now, I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received from every person I have met.

I look forward to returning to the Seattle Area in the coming months and seeing many of you at the school or in the neighborhood.

In community,

Dr. Daryl Wright

About the Search Consultants

After reviewing proposals and interviewing several search firms, the Board retained Educators Collaborative (EC) to support us in conducting this search. EC has conducted over 1,000 successful head of school searches since 1971, many of those in the Pacific Northwest. Joan Beauregard and Eric Temple, our EC partners, have served as heads of schools throughout the Seattle area and California, have strong connections with leaders throughout the independent school community, and are well-respected by educators across the country.