Head of School Search

About the Search

The Cathedral School for Boys Board of Trustees has begun the search for our next Head of School. This page serves as the central source for information about the process, including announcements, community-engagement opportunities, and key milestones.
 
On September 9, 2025, Board Chair Ronald Clark announced that Burns Jones will conclude his remarkable tenure as Head of School at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Burns leaves Cathedral thriving: academically strong, financially secure, and deeply united in purpose. The coming year offers our community the opportunity to celebrate his contributions and prepare for the next chapter in Cathedral’s history.
 
To lead this important work, Cathedral has retained Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), an internationally recognized education search and recruitment firm with more than forty-five years of experience guiding independent schools through leadership transitions.
 
Our search is supported by consultants Todd Bland and Michael Robinson, both former Heads of School. Todd, Cathedral Class of ’82, brings a deep personal connection to the school, and Michael brings extensive experience in Episcopal education and interim leadership. Together they will partner with the Board and community to ensure a thorough and inclusive process.
 
The Board of Trustees is committed to a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive search that reflects Cathedral’s mission and values. A Search Committee composed of trustees and school leaders is guiding the process of identifying and evaluating candidates, inviting input from faculty, staff, parents, and alumni through listening sessions and surveys this fall. Recognizing the importance of the perspectives of faculty, staff, and the leadership of Grace Cathedral, the committee has also convened advisory groups to consult at key stages of the search.
 
The search will unfold in several phases:
 
  • Community Input: Listening sessions and surveys to inform the Position Statement.
  • Position Statement: A comprehensive overview of Cathedral’s strengths, opportunities, and desired leadership qualities.
  • Candidate Recruitment & Evaluation: Confidential outreach and interviews led by the Search Committee.
  • Finalist Visits & Selection: Campus visits and feedback from all constituencies, followed by Board appointment and announcement.
 
With the guidance of our consultants and the collective input of our community, we are confident that Cathedral will attract an inspiring leader to carry forward our mission of educating boys of intellect, character, and purpose.

Position Description

Cathedral School for Boys is seeking its next Head of School to lead a vibrant K–8 community of scholars, leaders, and young men of character. Located on San Francisco’s Nob Hill, Cathedral School combines rigorous academics with arts, athletics, service-learning, and a renowned choral tradition, preparing boys to thrive intellectually, socially, and personally. The full Position Description outlines the qualities and experience the school seeks in its next visionary leader.
 

Community Updates

Search Committee

The Search Committee, appointed by the Board of Trustees, has been charged with leading the process of identifying and recommending Cathedral’s next Head of School. Working in partnership with our search consultants and the wider community, the committee will review candidate materials, interview leading candidates, speak with references, and present a finalist recommendation to the Board for approval.
 
Throughout the process, the committee is committed to upholding Cathedral’s mission and values, ensuring that the search is thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective of the strength of our community.
 

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Members of the Search Committee

    • Carlton Linnenbach, Former Trustee, Class of ’87, P ’25
    • Michael McKinnon, Trustee, P ’28
    • Eric Metoyer, Trustee (Dean’s Designee)
    • Aaron Mullen, Director of Community and Student Life
    • Ed Park, Trustee, P ’27, P ’29
    • Shipley Salewski, Search Committee Chair, Trustee, P ’26
    • Michele Williams, Trustee, P ’19, P ’22

Faculty Administrative Advisory Council

Cathedral’s faculty and staff play a vital role in shaping the search for our next Head of School. To ensure their perspectives and professional insights inform key moments of the process, the Search Committee has established a Faculty Administrative Advisory Council. Comprising teachers and school leaders representing a range of divisions, disciplines, and tenure at Cathedral, this group will provide feedback and advice throughout the search.
 
In addition to participating in listening sessions and surveys, the Council will serve as a bridge between the Search Committee and the broader faculty and staff, helping to ensure that the process reflects the voices of those most deeply engaged in Cathedral’s daily life.
 

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Members of the Faculty Administrative Advisory Council

    • Aaron Mullen, Chair, Director of Community and Student Life
    • Melisa Block, Chief Finance and Operations Officer
    • Chris Corrigan, Grade 7 & 8 English Teacher
    • Jen Drake, Grade 1 Teacher
    • Jared Johnson, Canon Director of Music
    • Kate Juergens, Chief Advancement Officer and Assistant Head of School
    • Lukas Rahlson, Director of Upper School
    • Timothy Seamans, Chaplain
    • Kristen Vilhauer, High School Counselor

Grace Cathedral Advisory Council

As an Episcopal school founded in partnership with Grace Cathedral, Cathedral School for Boys deeply values its connection to Grace Cathedral. The Grace Cathedral Advisory Council will provide important guidance and perspective throughout the search process, ensuring that Cathedral’s next Head of School is well prepared to lead within the unique context of our shared partnership.
 

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Members of the Grace Cathedral Advisory Council

    • The Right Rev. Austin Rios, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California
    • The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Young, Dean of Grace Cathedral
    • Tobias Keller, Chair, Board of Trustees of Grace Cathedral

Search Consultants

Cathedral’s Head of School search is supported by Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), an internationally recognized education search and recruitment firm with more than forty-five years of experience guiding independent schools through leadership transitions.
 
Our consultants, Todd Bland and Michael Robinson, both bring deep experience as former Heads of School and a nuanced understanding of independent school leadership. Todd, Cathedral Class of ’82, offers a personal connection to the school and its community, while Michael contributes extensive expertise in Episcopal education and interim leadership. Together, they will partner with the Board of Trustees and the broader Cathedral community to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive, and mission-aligned process.
 

FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • Why is Burns leaving?

    Our current Head of School, Burns Jones, has accepted a unique opportunity in higher education that will begin after the conclusion of this academic year. He will serve as Vice President for University Relations at Sewanee, his alma mater. Much like Cathedral, Sewanee holds a special place in his and his family’s heart. While we will deeply miss his leadership, we wish Burns and his family well and appreciate that this is the right moment for him to pursue this new role.

  • When will Burns complete his service as Head of School?

    Burns will complete his final term at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.

  • What happens next?

    With community feedback gathered and the Position Statement now complete, the Search Committee and consultants from Carney, Sandoe & Associates have begun the process of identifying and recruiting candidates for Cathedral’s next Head of School.

  • Will this affect my child’s experience?

    Cathedral School’s faculty, curriculum, traditions, and daily student experience will remain unchanged during the transition process. The day-to-day work of teaching and supporting our boys will continue without interruption thanks to the strong faculty and leadership team Burns has put in place.

  • How will the community celebrate Burns?

    This year is a chance to honor Burns’s 11 years of leadership. His time here has been marked by strong academic growth, program expansion, and a deep commitment to our mission and boys. There will be opportunities throughout the year for students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together to celebrate his many contributions.

  • Who decides on the new Head of School?

    The Board has appointed a dedicated Search Committee, chaired by Shipley Salewski, that will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the search consultants from Carney Sandoe leading the search process. The Search Committee will make its recommendation to CSB’s Board, which will then seek final approval from the Grace Cathedral Board and Bishop.

  • How can I support the school during this transition?

    Stay engaged in school life, help us celebrate Burns’s tenure, and continue to support Cathedral School’s mission. The best way to strengthen Cathedral’s future is by remaining active and involved in our community, celebrating Burns and supporting our wonderful faculty and administrative team members.

  • Are we planning to appoint a new Head of School for next year, or will we have an Interim Head of School first?

    Our search consultants have advised us to build the strongest candidate pool by interviewing candidates who are interested in either a 2026 or 2027 start date. Depending on the availability of the preferred candidates, either scenario is feasible. The priority is finding the best candidate, and we will therefore remain nimble, including by potentially hiring an Interim.

  • What does this mean for Cathedral School’s future?

    Cathedral is entering an exciting next chapter. We are well-positioned to build on our successes while staying true to our mission, values, and commitment to cultivating exemplary young men. We are looking forward to welcoming a talented new Head of School, who will carry on the school’s rich founding traditions, while charting the course for a prosperous future in the years ahead.

Cathedral School for Boys

Located in San Francisco, California, Cathedral School for Boys is an independent elementary school for boys in Kindergarten – Grade 8. Our mission is to provide an excellent education through intellectual inquiry and rigor that is centered in the Episcopal tradition and is respectful of and welcoming to people of all religious traditions and beliefs.