From the Head of School
Welcome to Marin Primary & Middle School!
Since its founding in 1975, MP&MS has been a place where students and teachers connect with one another and thrive. A mission-driven school, MP&MS prides itself on our warm community that honors each child and carries students along a journey to high school and beyond.
My own MP&MS journey started from a distance. For over two decades, I was a high school educator in Marin, working as a teacher and administrator. MP&MS students always stood out for me and my high school colleagues. MP&MS students know how to work hard, advocate for themselves, and build community. They are at the heart of everything that goes well in and out of the classroom. Working with MP&MS alumni and their parents, I gained insight into a special place.
Letter from the Board of Trustees
Dear MP&MS Community Members,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I write to share important news regarding a change in school leadership. Head of School Phil Gutierrez has accepted the position of Executive Director of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Phil’s position at CAIS will begin in July 2026.
We are deeply grateful for Phil’s five years of service to our community. During his tenure, he guided MP&MS through the post-COVID years, led the creation of a new mission statement and strategic plan, assembled a strong senior leadership team, and strengthened the school’s financial health. A passionate educator, Phil has continuously shared his genuine love of learning with faculty, staff, students, and parents. We are proud to have been part of his journey and congratulate him on his appointment as the next Executive Director of CAIS, where he will be advising Heads and Boards for the Association’s 200+ schools. His leadership at MP&MS has prepared him for this next chapter, and we look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes at the state and national level.
The Board recognizes this pivotal moment in MP&MS’s history. Leadership transitions can be both significant and challenging, and in this case, we are fortunate that this transition can also serve as an exciting opportunity for our school. Over the past four years, our current Assistant Head of School Linda Hoopes has become an indispensable member of our school’s leadership team. Linda has distinguished herself through exceptional leadership, insight, and dedication, providing strategic counsel to Phil and serving as Acting Head when needed. She oversees daily operations and the student experience across K–8, supervises and evaluates faculty and staff, and collaborates with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to ensure programmatic alignment and excellence. She also manages divisional budgets, supports facilities planning with the CFOO, and engages actively with the Board of Trustees, including monthly meetings and committee work. Over her time here, Linda has gained the trust and respect of faculty and staff, families, and the Board alike.
For these reasons, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Linda as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2026.
With gratitude and confidence in the road ahead,
Eileen Sheldon P'26
Chair, Board of Trustees
Letter from Phil Gutierrez
Dear MP&MS Families,
When I arrived at MP&MS in 2021, I was certain about a few facts. First, I knew that I was joining an exceptional community dedicated to bringing out the best in kids. I’ve been blessed to work with outstanding teachers, staff, and trustees to “inspire joyful learning, honor each child, and build connections.” Second, I knew that MP&MS would be my last school. I knew that I could never find another place quite like ours and that I would never leave MP&MS for another school.
With very mixed emotions, I am sharing the news that I am leaving MP&MS at the end of this school year to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Starting on July 1, I will be the Executive Director of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). CAIS is, by far, the largest statewide association of independent schools in the country. CAIS oversees accreditation for 234 member schools, supports heads, and provides governance training for thousands of trustees.
The search for the Executive Director was nationwide and drew a deep pool of applicants. Part of my successful candidacy was my time at MP&MS. Working with brilliant colleagues and trustees has primed me to take on this role. As Executive Director, I will continue to hold MP&MS close to my heart. Other schools can benefit from what we have always done so well.
I am thrilled to know that Assistant Head of School and K8 Director, Linda Hoopes, will be my successor. Linda is simply the best administrator I’ve worked with in over three decades as an educator. I couldn’t think of a better person to take MP&MS into its next 50 years. She has the full confidence of the faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees.
These last months will be bittersweet. I’m excited for my new opportunity, and I’m also sad that I will not see many of our current students graduate. Until graduation, I will be the same Phil, greeting students and families in the morning, cheering our students at basketball games and drama performances, and partnering with the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. Though I’m leaving MP&MS, MP&MS will never, ever leave me.
Sincerely,
Phil
As head of school at MP&MS since 2021, I have had a front-row seat to the best in early childhood and elementary education. The commitment of the MP&MS faculty and staff is second to none. Using standards-based curriculum augmented and deepened by their own years of experience, our teachers, as our mission statement says, “inspire joyful learning” each and every day. A rich and robust specialist program of arts, language, and STEAM offerings and a thoughtful SEL program further develop our students’ academic capabilities. MP&MS students know how to work hard and to dream big. They make me feel optimistic about our collective future.
I invite you to learn more about MP&MS. Feel free to send me an email to continue the conversation.
Sincerely,
Phil Gutierrez