Head of School Update

Announcing Our Next Head of School, Jessi Christiansen

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Trustees announces that, after a thoughtful and extensive search process, Jessi Christiansen has been chosen as Meridian’s new Head of School, effective July 1, 2026.

The Board, with input from the Head of School Search Committee, is confident that Jessi is the best person for the position. The Board made its decision based upon Meridian’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, and following close examination and consideration of the opinions and feedback offered by the Meridian community.

Jessi is a collaborative and dedicated leader with a passion for elementary school education and a deep affinity for Meridian and its values and mission. With decades of experience in leading, teaching, and supporting independent schools, she has a proven record of strong and compassionate leadership. Jessi is bringing more than 30 years of educational experience and stable leadership to Meridian, including her prior experience as a Head of School. She is committed to centering the student experience, developing faculty, and fostering cohesive and meaningful learning environments. In Jessi, we will have a leader who sees and can amplify what makes Meridian unique and celebrate Meridian’s strengths.

“She is very knowledgeable about Meridian and the Seattle-area schools. She has a strong point of view about where we fit and where our uniqueness lies.”

“Her range of experience as a teacher, learning specialist, associate Head of School, and Head of School gives her the experience and expertise [to lead Meridian].”

“I appreciate how well she understood what makes Meridian unique. She listed our balance of mind and heart, history as a trendsetter in DEIB initiatives, and the special collaboration we weave throughout our subjects and grade levels. Her deep understanding of our community, schools in our area, and also a wider perspective on schools outside of our Seattle bubble made a huge difference for me…really helps picture her being a long-term and stable head.”

Jessi will officially begin her tenure as Meridian’s Head of School on July 1, 2026, and Peter will continue as Meridian’s Interim Head of School until that time. Peter remains fully focused on the work ahead, which includes creating opportunities to connect Jessi to Meridian. We are grateful for Peter’s warm, compassionate, and stable leadership as our Interim Head of School and his efforts in working with the Board and Jessi for a seamless and successful transition to Meridian’s next leader.

The Board would like to thank the members of the Head of School Search Committee—Jacqueline Archdeacon, Keala Aronowitz, Rebecca Butman, Kent Reeder, and Alison Elafros—for their extraordinary service and dedication. The Board would similarly like to thank Steve Morris, with RG175, for his expert guidance in serving as our consultant and sounding board throughout the search process. Finally, thanks to all of you—parents, faculty, staff, leadership, and students—who met Jessi and provided valuable feedback to the Search Committee.

Please join us in welcoming Jessi Christiansen to the Meridian community. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make on our school as we embark on a new chapter under her leadership.

Jessi shared a letter expressing her excitement and gratitude with our Meridian community on November 12.

About the Search

The Board of Trustees has been dedicated to creating a structured, inclusive, and transparent process that reflects the values of The Meridian School, with community collaboration and open communication. The Board assembled a Search Committee to lead the process of identifying and evaluating candidates, and ultimately to recommend a new Head of School for approval by the Board. 

The Board appointed two trustees, Meredith Dishaw and Johanna Condal, to serve as Co-Chairs of the Head of School Search Committee.  The Search Committee retained Resource Group 175 (RG175), a consulting firm that specializes in independent school leadership transitions. Our consultant, Steve Morris, has deep experience in PK-8 Head of School searches, knowledge of The Meridian School, and brings a network of national and international contacts throughout the educational community. 

The Search Committee reviewed candidate resumes, interviewed leading candidates, spoke to references, selected finalists, and recommended the next Head of School for the Board to hire, consistent with The Meridian School’s mission and values.