St. John's Leadership

“The academics and sense of belonging I received at St. John’s gave me a strong foundation to be the person who I am today. Not only did I receive an education that prepared me for higher education, but I learned to be a good citizen. I am proud to give back as a board member to a school that has given me so much.” 

"I have a passion for Episcopal education, having seen the difference such schools make in the lives of young people and the communities where the schools are located. I also have a passion for the Church and (as a priest) understand its desire to build relationships with all. Most of all, I recognize that the missions of schools and churches are inherently different, and believe I can be helpful as St. John's School and St. John's church navigate what it means to be in relationship with one another."

"I believe in St. John's mission and the quality and direction of the School. I think the School has an exciting opportunity in front of it to continue to grow and strive for excellence, and in so doing, increase its impact and reach in our Dallas community and enhance the experience for its current and future students. I am excited by the opportunity to help the School set a bold strategic vision and plan to achieve it and ensure that it is anchored on a strong and sustainable financial foundation.”

"Serving on the Board of Trustees is both a professional interest and a personal conviction. I have a passion for and history of public service, and I have a deep connection to St. John's as a parent of an involved and thriving 7th grader. I have personally seen the impact of our exceptional teachers, parents and board on the development of students. St. John's is at a critical juncture, facing a number of opportunities and challenges in the coming years. I would welcome the opportunity to serve in this next chapter.”

"I am excited to serve on the Board of Trustees because I believe in the mission and values of the School and in the leadership. [I look forward to] bringing my skills and strengths that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the School  so it can continue to thrive and live out its greatest potential."

"My family has admired St. John's for years prior to our kids being students here. I look forward to the opportunity to share my talents, my experience and my time for the benefit of the School."

"I love St. John’s because of the loving, caring and focused nature of the St. John’s community that includes the students, teachers, administrators, and parents. The SJES community as a whole is helping children not only succeed academically but helping them develop into truly well-rounded individuals that grow up to be confident, motivated, thoughtful and compassionate members of society."

“I’m grateful for all the ways St. John’s nurtured and strengthened my four children during their PK through 8th grade journey. They were all very different students, and the excellent teachers at St. John’s brought out their best.”

"I wish to serve the School, a place I care about a great deal."

"The opportunity to take a longer-lens view of where the school is heading, and to understand and help chart a path for navigating complexity [is my motivation for serving on the Board of Trustees].”

"From the time we took our first tour to now, it has been clear that St. John’s is where not only my daughter, but our family belongs. I believe wholeheartedly in today’s experience and culture of SJES. It was the initial reason I chose to be “plugged in.” However, I am perhaps more excited about what lies ahead for the children, the teachers, the administration, and the parents of St. John’s.  

To be successful in fulfilling the vision of the School, we must honor the work of those before and beside us while still making sure we evolve steadily in order to reach our potential. From what I have seen to date, we are on the right path. That, in itself, is a reason for excitement and desire to be of service. To be a trustee is about servant leadership in one of its purest forms. Not only is a trustee responsible for making sure that the vision, mission, and strategic plan are defined and in alignment, a trustee must be willing to roll up the sleeves wherever needed in the daily efforts of fulfilling them.  

 In short, this is what appeals to me; to be part of the group that serves and helps define the long-term big picture while being right there for the immediate detail work as well. I believe that my career working with many business leaders around the country, my early experience in a non-profits and leadership development environments, and my passion for what we are achieving as a school would provide a unique skill set and valued perspective. I would consider the role a privilege and welcome the opportunity to serve in this capacity."

"I am from a family of educators and have always had an interest in education. As a member of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, I am passionate about the mission of Episcopal schools. I am very familiar with St. John's and admire its commitment to its specific mission and Student Formation. I believe I can add value to the Board due to my deep knowledge of independent schools in general and in Dallas specifically, the accreditation process, fundraising, admissions, and the importance of marketing. Having served nearly six years on the Board at St. Philip’s, I have learned much about Board service and know that it is something I enjoy. Having just completed your search for the new head of middle school, I learned so much about the priorities of St. John's and the people who work there. I came away even more impressed than when I began the search in August. Having interviewed many faculty and staff members, I was amazed by their commitment to St. John's and, more importantly, their students. When I was Admissions Director at Parish, I would visit St. John's each year to present to 8th graders, hoping to encourage them to consider Parish. Although we never attracted as many graduates as we would have liked, I was always so impressed by your students—their articulation, confidence, and the outcome of a St. John's education. Those who did matriculate to Parish were always well-prepared and, more importantly, ‘just good kids.’ That impression has stayed with me over the years."

"I enjoy the community feel at SJES and hope to be a part of it as it grows to become an even better school for all types of children."

"SJES has seen, known, encouraged, and provided growth opportunities for my entire family. This is a special place filled with special people. We give back so much of ourselves because this place has given so much to us."

“We joined the St. John's Episcopal School family 30 years ago and have loved the School since then. I want to be part of preserving all that makes it so special while preparing for the challenges of the future."

"My son Eli has had a wonderful experience at St. John's since he joined in sixth grade, and I have been continually impressed to see that the school is an institution that lives its values, much like the school where I have served as Elementary Director since 2016. I am not great at parent volunteering for events and fundraisers, but I feel that my professional experience in education and school administration in a very different kind of school can bring a helpful, nuanced perspective to the Board of Trustees. I look forward to learning from the Trustees and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges, barriers, supports, and partnerships that affect St. John's current progress, continued growth, and long-term goals. I have grown to respect Meshea Matthews deeply as a school leader; I also know both Rea Foster and Kassidy Opitz personally and have always found them to be individuals of purpose and integrity. Hoping to learn and contribute, I would be very proud and humbled to serve with them and the other Trustees on the Board. Reviewing the bylaws confirms my belief that St. John's is a community that lives its values. I feel deeply that, for my son, the school has strengthened his character and enriched his spirit in a Christian environment. In a divisive political climate where we find ourselves shocked and dumbstruck at having to defend the virtues of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, I appreciate that the school does not use the religious ethos as a barrier to entry to others but rather as an invitation to all. I read the bylaws and hope the founders are proud that the school continues to meet its religious and spiritual commitments, honoring the humanity of all students and staff. I believe they feel as relevant and compelling as they must have to the parish and school founders, as well as to leaders through the years and today."

"St. John's provided the educational foundation that propelled my children to become successful young adults - I am forever grateful. I believe the St. John's experience should be shared with as many families as possible."

"I am most excited about advancing the strategic plan with a focus on financial stability for the School for the long-term."

"My experience at St. John's has reinforced by belief in the values of compassion, community, and support that St. John's embodies. It is not just a place of education for our children, but a haven where families come together, support one another, and create lasting bonds."

"St. John's has been a wonderful school for my children. From the personalized attention all children receive, to the small classroom sizes, the strong academic program, and the emphasis on inclusivity in a Christian environment; it is the kind of place I hoped to find for my children. St. John's has become a home away from home for my kids."