Barnhart Appoints Tonya Beilstein Interim Head of School While Bidding a Fond Farewell to Ethan Williamson

Barnhart’s School Board of Trustees informed their parent community today that on September 1 the Board received a letter of resignation from Ethan Williamson who was the Head of School for four years.

Williamson recently learned of a new grandbaby on the way and is planning to relocate to the Sacramento area to be closer to his family. Williamson worked tirelessly for Barnhart, instituting Barnhart traditions such as the San Gabriel Valley Scholar program, overseeing facilities projects, introducing Responsive Classroom, increasing experiential field study programs and much more.

In his letter, Williamson thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve Barnhart and said, “I will cherish the time I spent at the school.” He has offered his services to the Board of Trustees, as needed, as an advisor during this time of transition.

Effective immediately, Tonya Beilstein, Associate Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, has been named Interim Head of School. Beilstein has been with Barnhart for 15
years and has two Bobcat graduates (class of ’06 and’09). Beginning as a substitute teacher, she taught third and fourth grade for eight years and was promoted to her current position in 2009.

Beilstein stated, “Barnhart is a strong, special community, filled with teachers and parents who bring out the best in their students and children, balancing academic excellence with amazing inspiration. It is an honor and privilege to become Barnhart’s interim leader.”

Concurrently, the Board of Trustees is initiating a nationwide search process to identify and hire the next Head of School. While Beilstein is throwing her hat into the ring for the Head of School consideration, she has also encouraged the Board to initiate an executive search to secure the best fit possible to propel Barnhart’s future.

Barnhart offers a private K-8 education. Distinguishing programs of Barnhart include Spanish and Art at all grade levels, daily physical education, the Virtues Project™ character development program, the creative writing for kids program with the Lucy Calkins’ Writer’s Workshop, a choral group, and an on-site harvest garden. The school has an early literacy emphasis, a 1:1 technology ratio and an average 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Barnhart is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Established in 1959 by Dr. Ethel Barnhart, Barnhart is affiliated with the non- denominational Santa Anita Church. Visit barnhartschool.org for further information or to inquire about a tour.