Head of School Search
St. Johns Country Day School has launched the search for its next Head of School. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Head of School Search Committee and engaged Educational Directions, Inc., a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in leadership searches and school improvement, to guide this important process.
Valorie Baker will continue to serve as Head of School through the end of the 2025–26 school year, providing steady leadership during this period of transition.
The Head of School Search Committee, chaired by Gene Nichols, will work closely with Educational Directions to establish hiring criteria, manage the search process, and recommend a final candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval. Kelly Risdon, Director of Enrollment Management, will support Gene and the Committee to ensure the process runs smoothly and keeps the community informed.
Mike Murphy and Jay Underwood of Educational Directions bring decades of experience in independent school leadership and executive search. Both have successfully guided schools through leadership transitions that honor their mission, community, and long-term goals. Mike and Jay have already begun working with St. Johns to ensure an inclusive and well-informed search process. Please reach out to Mike or Jay with any questions or suggestions you may have: