Head of School Search - Brooks School: Coeducational Private School in North Andover, MA

With the planned departure of Head of School John R. Packard on June 30, 2028, after 38 years of service to Brooks, the school is beginning its search for Brooks' fifth Head of School.

The Board has retained the firm RG175 to guide the search and consultants Bob Henderson, John Green and Marcia Prewitt Spiller will partner with the Board throughout the process.

We invite you to stay informed by visiting this site for updates as we navigate the transition.

Head of School John Packard stands next to Board of Trustees' John Barker in front of the Chapel.

From Head of School
John Packard

June 9, 2026

Dear Members of the Brooks Community,

It is with immense gratitude for and appreciation of the privilege of serving as Brooks School’s fourth Head of School that I write to share my plans to complete my tenure at this great school on June 30, 2028.

I have spent my entire professional life at Brooks, which will number 38 school years by the time I leave. During these years, I have occasionally wondered what it might be like to work somewhere other than Brooks, but the pull of this life and this special place has called me back year after year. I love this school and I suspect I will always feel that pull. Yet, I remain curious about what other professional opportunities might be within my reach and make this decision with a blend of excitement and intrigue about the next chapter in my life. READ MORE

From BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
John BARKER '87

June 9, 2026

Dear Members of the Brooks School Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I write to share that John Packard has informed the Board that, after 38 years of service to Brooks School, he plans to conclude his tenure as Head of School effective June 30, 2028.

John’s departure will mark the culmination of an extraordinary career as a teacher, coach, advisor, administrator, and Head of School. By the end of the 2027-2028 academic year, he will have served 20 years in his current role. As Brooks’ fourth Head of School, John has led Brooks with wisdom, humility, vision, and an unwavering devotion to the school’s mission and values. His leadership has shaped nearly every aspect of Brooks’ life and strengthened the school in enduring and meaningful ways. READ MORE

Head of School Search Committee

Tim McAdam ’86 (Co-Chair)
Isabella Timon ’92, P’26 (Co-Chair)
John Barker ’87, P’21, P’23
Cheryl Duckworth P’22, P’23
Val Hollingsworth ’72
Monique Johnson P’24, P’26
Booth Kyle ’89
Russ Pyle ’87, P’25
Alessandro Uzielli ’85

The committee will begin its work immediately and will engage broadly with members of the Brooks community in the months ahead.

We look forward to identifying a leader who will build upon the strong foundation John has established and carry forward Brooks’ mission and values to future generations.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Search Committee at search@brooksschool.org.

From Head of School John Packard

From BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT John BARKER '87

Head of School Search Committee

From Head of School
John Packard

From BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
John BARKER '87