I am pleased to announce that the Gardner School Board of Trustees has appointed Courtney Tomlinson as Interim Head of School for a two-year term, effective immediately. This decision follows her successful tenure as Assistant Head of School since 2020 and as Acting Head of School since May. 

Courtney has been a dedicated educator in the Vancouver area for over 20 years. Her extensive experience includes teaching in local public school districts where she earned her National Board Certification, and at Gardner in our upper grade classrooms. She served as Assistant Head of School for the past four years, and helped guide Gardner through the challenges of the pandemic. Courtney is deeply committed to our community, both professionally and personally. Her son, Noah, graduated from Gardner in 2023, and her daughter, Rachel, graduated in 2024.

The Board of Trustees has worked closely with Courtney and is confident in her leadership. Her experience, dedication, and vision make her the ideal person to guide Gardner during this transitional period. Since we began working with her as Acting Head of School, Courtney has demonstrated great professionalism, readiness for the work as Head, and a deep commitment to the students, staff, and families that make up our community. 

Over the next two years, the Board will continue to support Courtney and the entire Gardner community. This period will also allow us time to conduct a thorough vetting process, including forming a committee to focus on hiring a permanent Head of School for the 2026-2027 school year. We will share more details about this process as it develops.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Gardner. Together, we will ensure a bright and successful future for our school.

Warm regards,

Sarah Grenert-Funk, Board Chair