Westminster President Announces Retirement

Westminster Schools President Bill Clarkson announced in a letter to parents and students that he retiring after serving 23 years as the head of the private school.

His retirement is effective as of June 30, 2014.

He wrote in the letter, “It is with mixed emotions, but extraordinary pride and gratitude that I announce my plans to retire. I have never been in a school family for this long. Since childhood I have been in the family of Christ’s church, and hit has occurred to me that my education and life’s work have been an unfolding story of God’s mysterious ‘calling’ and the opportunities for response to that revelations. My years at Westminster have been the happiest of my career, and I hope I have honored that call in this wonderful and unique school.”

The school has assembled a president search committee comprised of eight members, who are all parents of Westminster students. Seven of whom are Westminster alumni and one is a former faculty member. Its advisory committee is made up of two student government presidents, a former trustee, four faculty members, a faculty dean, admissions director, two parent leaders and two alumni volunteers.

A letter from Westminster board chair Olga Goizueta Rawls accompanied Clarkson's letter.

In it, she wrote: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Bill for his inspirational vision, innovative spirit and enthusiastic service to our school and community. Over many years as a trustee and as chair, I have had the privilege of working with and learning from an esteemed colleague and friend. His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the school’s mission have contributed immeasurably to our advancement and stature.”