From the Search Committee

The Head of School Search Committee and the Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Hugh Jebson will be joining St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School as the next Head of School in July 2019. 

 

We are currently working with Hugh to identify an Interim Head of School to aid us in the transition period following Robert Stephens' departure in July 2018. Hugh will be working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Interim Head of School on several key initiatives identified in the Strategic Plan. We look forward to providing you updates on the Interim Head of School as well as the bright future for St. John's.

 

Carren Rieger-Friess, Search Committee Chair

Jeanie Poley, Co-Chair Advisory Committees

Sarah Watkins, Co-Chair Advisory Committees

Sacha Dyson

Eric Williams

A Note from the New Head

Dear St. John's Family,

 

It is a tremendous honor to be joining St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School as Head of School in July of 2019! I am grateful to the Board and Vestry for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding school, to bring my experience and skills to the St. John's community, and to foster love of learning and innovative teaching by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and thoughtful change. 

 

Over the past twenty-seven years, I have partnered with countless families and students ranging from preschool through grade twelve. I look forward to collaborating with you to serve many generations of St. John's Eagles and educate them to become independent thinkers, leaders who maintain the dignity of others, and decision-makers guided by kindness, compassion and respect. In the nine years I spent at Berkeley Preparatory School, I came to know a number of St. John's families and was impressed by what their children had already achieved and, more importantly, their character and potential. I particularly admire St. John's commitment to excellence and dedication to Christ-centered values. The School is known and respected regionally for preparing its graduates for success in high school and beyond. St. John's serves children so effectively because it fosters a balanced education - body, mind, and spirit - as well as its critical partnership with the Reverend Charles Connelly and the Parish.

 

I especially want to recognize and thank the Search Committee for leading such a thoughtful, thorough and diligent process. From my earliest conversations with committee members (and corroborated by my visits to the campuses), it is clear St. John's is a community blessed with passionate educators, engaged and supportive parents, joyful and enthusiastic students, and trustees that are forward-thinking and energized by the possibilities our work holds. The future is indeed bright!

 

My family and I are very much looking forward to helping write the next great chapter in the St. John's story. Even as I continue to honor my commitment and obligations to my current school, I will begin a process of careful and steady transition to my new role. I will be contacting Board members, speaking with school administrators and learning more about the ethos of St. John's. I expect to make several trips to Tampa over the next year as I begin the foundational step of listening to members of the school community about what makes St. John's special. I look forward to meeting all of you and learning about your experiences and perspectives. Together we will achieve great things.

 

On a personal note, my wife, Danelle, and I are looking forward to our return "home" to Tampa, reconnecting with family and friends, and meeting new friends as we come to know the inclusiveness and warmth of the St. John's community.

 

See you soon, and Go, Eagles!  

 

Hugh Jebson