YWA’s Next Chapter

Change is afoot at Yellow Wood! We are excited for the next chapter for the school after thirty years as a tutoring center, school, and community. We announced at the start of the 2024-25 school year that we would be moving in the summer of 2025 to our new location at Cascade Yards, which you can learn more about below. We are also hiring for a new leader of Yellow Wood.

Head of School Search

Yellow Wood’s current Executive Director, Jed Miley, announced in the summer of 2024 that 2024-25 would be his last year after eleven years as a teacher and leader. The school is hiring a Head of School (HOS) to begin July 1, 2025. In its 30 years, the school has evolved significantly from a tutoring center to a school, and the top leadership position continues to evolve along with it. Candidates can learn more by accessing the job description and opportunity statement below. Please contact boardchair@zhanmi.net with any questions.

Learn more about Yellow Wood directly from our students.

Timeline

We are excited to run a thorough, efficient, and transparent process to find the right leader to shepherd YWA into its next chapters. We plan to follow the following timeline

  • August: Twelve-year employee and six-year Executive Director Jed Miley announces his departure at the end of the 24-25 school year.

  • September: Board of Trustees begins planning a transition process.

  • October: Faculty, Staff, Student, and Parent/Guardian engagement “Town Halls” and feedback gathering.

  • November: Opportunity Statement and Job Description posted to Yellow Wood’s “Next Chapter” website. Applications due 11/30.

  • December: Review applications and interview semi-finalist candidates.

  • January: Finalist interviews occur on YWA campus to meet with all constituents.

  • January 31: New HOS appointment announced.

  • February: Continue the work of transition from Jed to Yellow Wood’s new leader.

  • July 1: New HOS officially begins.

To Apply

Complete applications include:

  • Letter of interest (cover letter)

  • Resume or CV

  • An educational or leadership philosophy statement

  • Two writing samples of choice can include articles, community emails, etc.

  • List of five professional references, including contact information, working relationship, and length of time working together, and answer for each “why should the search committee talk to this person?” References will not be contacted until the finalist stage of the process.

The deadline for receipt of complete application materials is Saturday, November 30, 2024. Application packages should be sent in a single PDF to boardchair@zhanmi.net. The Yellow Wood Search Committee intends to interview semi-finalist candidates remotely in December. Finalists will be invited to campus for a two-day visit in January. For any questions or further information about the position, please contact boardchair@zhanmi.net.

YWA’s Next Chapter Updates

  • Dear YWA Community,

    Last spring, we shared the exciting news that YWA was actively searching for a new facility that could better support our innovative programs and accommodate our growing needs. After over 30 wonderful years on Mercer Island, we are thrilled to announce that YWA has found its new home, and we have recently signed the lease!

    Our new location will be in Cascade Yard, Building B, in a conveniently located office park near the I-90 and I-405 interchange, just five minutes from our current site. This new facility offers several exciting features:

    • A larger space, all on a single floor for optimal space utilization

    • Modern updates throughout the building

    • A spacious common area designed for community gatherings, performances, and other events

    • Expanded areas for our music studio, design thinking labs, and physical education programs

    We will begin the tenant improvement process and construction in February, with plans to move into the new space in July 2025. The new facility is modern and thoughtfully designed to allow us to expand and enhance our offerings. We are fortunate to be working with an exceptional team, including our architect, Hank Weaver, who is helping us create spaces that are perfectly tailored to a YWA education.

    Your input is important to us! In the coming weeks, we will be seeking your thoughts on how to design these new spaces. We plan to engage student government, speak with students during homeroom, and connect with parents and caregivers. Please stay tuned for upcoming invitations to participate in this exciting process!

    To keep you updated on our progress, we have built a dedicated tab on our website. Here, you will find the latest information, updates, and ways to get involved.

    Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter in YWA’s history. This move marks a significant milestone for YWA, and we are eager to share the journey with you. We look forward to creating a space that will inspire and empower our students for years to come.

    Warm regards,

    Jed Miley

    Executive Director