Bullis Community Update: June 16, 2026

Dear Bullis Community,

Let’s start this concluding letter of the 2025-2026 school year in the same vein as so many others–with a little climate commentary. It’s 93 degrees here in Potomac (last Thursday) and stormy. It is the last day that teachers need to be on campus, and despite the torrid weather, joy abounds in a way that is only possible when a gaggle, flock, herd, pack, pride, school, swarm, parliament–not sure of the best collective noun– of school people have the entire summer ahead.

The Successful Conclusion of the Elevating Excellence Campaign:

It is with gratitude that I share that the Elevating Excellence Campaign has come to a successful close. Our community raised $22,671,315, surpassing the campaign’s $20 million goal and ensuring we have the pledges needed to cover the remaining bridge financing for this effort. In light of this success, the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees has recommended that Bullis formally close the campaign and celebrate all that this remarkable community effort has made possible.

Our new Lower School is open, active, and full of life, with students learning and exploring in a beautiful space designed specifically for the way children grow. This summer, exterior signage will be installed to officially identify the building as The Sandi Family Lower School. The campaign has also reshaped the Middle School experience, giving students and teachers a modern, welcoming home of their own in South Hall, while Upper School students have benefited from additional classrooms, collaborative spaces, and gathering areas created through the thoughtful reclaiming and reimagining of spaces across campus.

To every family, alumnus, grandparent, trustee, faculty and staff member, and friend of Bullis who helped bring this campaign to life: thank you. Your generosity and vision have made a lasting impact on our campus and, more importantly, on the students who fill it with purpose, joy, and possibility each day. Your contributions will soon be memorialized as we acknowledge by name all families who have contributed; thank you!

Graduation of the Class of 2026:

On May 21 at Strathmore Hall, our 150 seniors joined the ranks of the Bullis alumni. For the first time, we had four student speeches, and these two clips illustrate the unbridled joy of the occasion. It is not hyperbole to say that the Bullis graduations are among the most joyful of graduations. The procession starts at 5:50 pm sharp, and the ceremony concludes by 7:25 pm; even with hugs, goodbyes, and pictures afterwards, families can still make their dinner reservations! We congratulate and are proud of this fabulous class as they prepare to embark on the next stage of their educational journey.

Departing Faculty

As we do every year, we find ourselves saying goodbye to a number of colleagues. While the division directors have shared notes on those leaving their teams, I’d like to take a moment to personally recognize and thank faculty members who have been part of the Bullis community for 10 years or more.

Bill McGowan (10 years)

Since joining Bullis in 2016, Bill McGowan has served as Upper School Dean of Student Life and Social Studies Teacher, helping to shape a vibrant student experience rooted in leadership, engagement, and community. Bill has led and grown the Student Government Association, creating meaningful opportunities for students to find their voice and connect with the broader community. His impact can be seen in many of the traditions that bring Bullis together, from the energy of the Dawg Pound to the spirit fostered through Homecoming celebrations. While often understated, he has a unique ability to bring a room to life, and students deeply value his guidance, authenticity, and unwavering support. We wish him all the best as he becomes Head of Middle School at Hilton Head Preparatory School in South Carolina.

Stephane Moreau (13 years)

Upper School Math Teacher

Since joining Bullis in 2013, Stephane Moreau has inspired generations of students through his passion for mathematics and his steadfast belief in their potential. His classroom has been a welcoming and supportive space where students have felt challenged, encouraged, and empowered to grow as mathematicians. Stephane has a unique ability to see what students are capable of achieving, often before they see it themselves, and his confidence in them has helped countless learners develop both skill and self-assurance. We are deeply grateful for Stephane's contributions to Bullis and wish him every success in the future.

George Johnson (15 years)

Transportation Supervisor

Since joining Bullis in 2011, George Johnson has played a vital role in ensuring the safe and smooth transportation of Bullis students. Drawing on a diverse background that includes service as an EMT, a deep-sea fishing charter boat captain, and an operator of the iconic duck boats in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, George brought a unique blend of experience, leadership, and composure to his role as Transportation Supervisor. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated, George has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and families alike. As George begins his retirement, we are grateful for his years of service to the Bullis community and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Rita Gerharz (25 years)

Middle School Technology Teacher

For 25 years, Rita Gerharz has helped Bullis students become creative thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and resilient learners. Throughout her time at Bullis, Rita has shared her talents in many ways, teaching mathematics and science, leading technology initiatives as Middle School Technology Coordinator, and inspiring students as a Middle School Technology Teacher. No matter the role, Rita has always placed students at the center of her work, encouraging them to experiment, take risks, and embrace the learning process. Her philosophy–"It's okay to fail; that's how we learn"– has shaped the experiences of countless students and fostered a culture of curiosity, creativity, and innovation. After an extraordinary 40-year career in education, Rita is retiring. We are profoundly grateful for her years of service and wish her much happiness in this well-earned next chapter.

New Trustees:

We are excited to welcome three new trustees to the Board of Trustees for the 2026-27 school year:

Vinko Milovanovic (P'28, '34)

Pia Prakash '02 (P'37)

Evan Winston '91 (P'24, '26, '28)

Our new trustees bring a range of experiences and strong ties to the Bullis community as alumni, current parents, or both. We’re grateful for their commitment and look forward to the perspective and insight they will bring to the Board.

At the same time, we will say goodbye to Jon Halle '88 (P'15, '17, '26), who has served on the Board for 13 consecutive years in a range of capacities. He leaves the Board with our deep gratitude for his long service.

AIMS Accreditation:

For the past 18 months, our dedicated faculty have been hard at work completing our comprehensive self-study in preparation for our 10-year accreditation review. This process, which involves a deep, honest look at every aspect of our school, is one of the most meaningful ways we demonstrate our commitment to excellence for our students. We are proud to report that things are going very well. Our self-study reflects the strength of our programs, dedication of our people, and progress we have made as a learning community. It captures not only what we do well, but also how we can get even better. Accreditation is a rigorous, independent validation that our school meets the highest standards in areas such as curriculum, student support, faculty development, and school culture. It is a testament to the trust you place in us every day. We look forward to the submission of the report in October of 2026, followed by a visit from a team of educators from other schools in February 2027.

Strategic Plan Update:

Over the past year, we have engaged the Bullis community in meaningful conversations about the future of our school. We began by convening a steering committee and surveying all constituent groups, gathering valuable feedback from students, parents, faculty, alumni, and trustees. In January, more than 100 community members participated in our Strategic Planning Conference, where we explored key opportunities and priorities for Bullis's next chapter.

Building on that work, the Steering Committee organized seven subcommittees focused on Academics; Alumni; Arts; Athletics; Faculty; Human Connection, Culture, and Character; and Institutional Resources. Throughout the spring, these groups met regularly, bringing together representatives from across our community to discuss ideas, identify priorities, and develop recommendations that were then shared with the Steering Committee.

This summer, a small group of school leaders and I will synthesize the extensive feedback and recommendations into a draft Strategic Plan for review by the Steering Committee and Board of Trustees. We anticipate presenting a final plan for Board approval in September.

The last strategic plan charted the way forward for Bullis from 2021 to now. I anticipate that this next strategic plan will show the way forward from September until 2032. I believe in the strategic planning process, and even more in using these plans as a roadmap. I used the last plan as my to-do list, and it will be the same over the next six years. Our plan will help provide the Board, the leadership team, and me with the direction and flexibility we need to provide an extraordinary education to our students; we will never be complacent.

I hope the summer has started well for your family. I am so grateful for the support that the faculty, the school, and I have had from the community this year. The next letter you will receive from me won’t be until mid-August. Please enjoy this respite, the breathing room that iconic American summers can provide, and come back to school ready for another fantastic year. As I announced in my last letter, I will be taking off for my sabbatical in mid-September, but will be here in August and for the first week of school. I look forward to seeing you all then.

Warmly,

Christian G. Sullivan
Head of School