Dear TCA Family,

Good afternoon! We hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the School Board, I have exciting news to share with you, our school family.

As you all know, in light of Dr. Newby‘s retirement announcement in the fall, the School Board began the process of searching for the next head of school for Trinity Christian Academy, with the assistance of the nationally renowned consulting firm, Vanderbloemen. We know that many of you joined us in prayer during this process, and we are so thankful for these prayers.

As a result of that search, and after much time, due diligence, discernment and prayer, the School Board is very pleased and grateful to announce the next Head of School for Trinity Christian Academy to be Mr. Craig Smith!

Craig has extensive leadership experience in administration in the Christian school environment and has previously served as a Head of School and Associate Head of School. He exhibits strong leadership skills in advancement, enrollment and relationships, and is described as a “shepherd-leader.” He is a man who loves God, his family and desires to be used to advance the discipleship of our students. Based upon the School Board’s time with Craig over the last several months, we are unanimous in our belief that Craig is the individual God has planned to lead TCA.

Craig and his wife, Jan, have been married 39 years. They have three adult children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom are married. Craig and Jan would really love to tell you about their two granddaughters!

Below is a timeline of events related to the Head of School search, beginning with Dr. Newby‘s retirement announcement in the Fall:

October 2023

• Dr. Newby announces his retirement after 50 years of service in Christian education.
• The TCA School Board hired Vanderbloemen to assist in the search for the next Head of School.
• Vanderbloemen conducts a site visit to TCA to meet with the Board and key staff to gain a better understanding of TCA before the search begins and before the Head of School profile is drafted.

November 2023

• Vanderbloemen completes the Head of School profile, and a nationwide search begins.
• The TCA Family Survey is sent to all families to assist in gathering feedback for the School Board.
• Vanderbloemen provides a checkpoint meeting to give the Board an update on the search.
• Vanderbloemen advises that approximately sixty (60) individuals have expressed interest in the application process.

December 2023

• Vanderbloemen presents six (6) highly qualified male and female applicants from across the country to the Board, from their search pool of carefully screened applicants.
• Each of these six (6) candidates participated in a personalized DISC profile analysis and were screened in depth.
• The six (6) candidates were narrowed to four (4) after much prayer, consideration, and analysis.
• Two (2) days were spent interviewing the four (4) candidates in person during the Christmas break.
• The four (4) candidates were then narrowed down to two (2) candidates.
• The final two (2) candidates were thoroughly background-checked and reference-checked.

January 2024

• The Board then spent two (2) days interviewing the finalists, resulting in a top choice.
• Craig Smith spent two (2) days at TCA being introduced as a Finalist for the Head of School position.
• He met with the Executive Administration, General Administration, Principals, Athletic Director, Facilities Director, and members of the TCA Faculty and Staff.
• He attended Elementary and Secondary Chapels, walked the halls with administration, toured all school facilities, and Craig Smith and his wife attended Varsity Girls and Boys basketball games.
• Subsequent to Craig Smith's time at TCA, the School Board commenced additional due diligence through contacting multiple references, and interviewing these references via conference calls, zoom call meetings and in-person meetings. These references included the Head of School and a School Board President under whom Craig served. These references were unanimous in their support of Craig Smith and his potential service at TCA as the Head of School.

Over the next few months, you will see Craig Smith on campus, interacting with administration, faculty and staff, getting to know the TCA school culture, and meeting all of you. He is beyond excited to get started in this role! Please be on the lookout for an invitation to meet Craig and Jan Smith at an upcoming reception hosted by the School Board.

Thank you, again, for your support and prayers during this process, and we ask you to continue to pray as we welcome Craig Smith to TCA and as we enter a new season under his leadership together.

On Behalf of the School Board,

Bert Thompson

TCA School Board President