From leading Steiner schools in Queensland and New Zealand to shaping national education policy, few leaders have seen the independent sector from as many angles as Tracey Taylor.
Now, after a national search, the current AISACT executive director has been appointed chief executive of the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA).
Taylor, currently executive director of the Association of Independent Schools of the Australian Capital Territory (AISACT), steps into the new role on 11 January 2027, replacing Anne Dunstan who departs as AISSA head four days later.
For the 105 member schools that rely on AISSA for advocacy, governance support and workforce advice, the appointment signals continuity and strategic direction.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates South Australia had 111,121 students enrolled in non-government schools in 2025. This is the highest proportion of private school enrolment relative to total enrolments of any Australian state.
A career across classrooms and policy
Taylor’s career spans school leadership, policy and peak-body governance across multiple jurisdictions. She previously served as director of Samford Valley Steiner School in Queensland and principal of Michael Park School in New Zealand. She also led Steiner Education Australia as chief executive before moving into policy at Independent Schools Australia.
At AISACT, she has led an organisation with a mission that mirrors AISSA’s own. She currently serves on the boards of Independent Schools Australia, the Teacher Quality Institute and the ACT Registration Standards Advisory Board.
AISSA chair Shannon Warren said the appointment followed a national recruitment process. “The board is confident that her experience in advocacy, governance and stakeholder engagement will ensure the association continues to be a strong and trusted voice for our member schools,” Warren said.
A return to Adelaide
Taylor spent part of her childhood in Adelaide, so this is a homecoming of sorts. In taking up her new role, she acknowledged the standard her predecessor had set.
“I am honoured to succeed Anne Dunstan following her highly valued contribution to the SA Independent school sector and leadership of AISSA,” Taylor said. “I am excited to lead the association into its next phase, working with the AISSA Board, connecting and collaborating with the team and member schools.”
Warren also recognised what Dunstan brings to her new role at AISSA. “Anne and Tracey will work together to ensure a smooth transition, and we look forward to providing opportunities for member schools to meet Tracey and to farewell Anne,” she said.
What does Taylor’s appointment mean for South Australia’s independent schools?
Taylor inherits an association at full strength — 100% membership across the state’s independent schools — but with significant work ahead. AISSA’s current strategic plan expires in 2027, which means her early months will shape the organisation’s next direction.
Taylor's board roles across Independent Schools Australia, the Teacher Quality Institute and the ACT Registration Standards Advisory Board give her a national rather than purely state-level perspective.
Independent schools in South Australia are navigating the same pressures facing the wider education workforce: teacher supply, funding equity and rising community expectations. Having a chief executive who has worked across school leadership, national policy and regulatory governance gives AISSA a stronger position from which to advocate on all three.