By Brian Argabright
One of Del Rio’s oldest private schools is seeking a new principal.
St. James Episcopal School is searching for a new head of school. The move isn’t done to oust the current head of schools, but rather to allow for a smooth transition once she leaves St. James at the end of the school year.
“We are so blessed right now. Our head of school gave us a heads up in August that this would be her last year with us,” Sarah West Sigmon, a member of the St. James School Board and Head of Schools Search Committee Chair, said. “The school still currently has a leader, but she wanted to give us enough time to find a new head of school.”
According to the school’s official website, St. James Episcopal School was founded in 1955 by a group of church women who felt there should be a Christian school available in the community. Though it has served up through middle school in previous years, it currently serves students in pre-K3 through fifth grade.
“We currently have 120 students enrolled in the school, which has been about the average the last three years,” Sigmon said. “My kids are in their third year and I am an alumni. I went to St. James for eight years back in the 1990s.”
Persons interested in applying for the position should do so either electronically or through traditional mail. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, persons are discouraged from applying in person at the school. Persons who seek to apply for the position can ask for a packet, or can direct any questions they may have, via email at schoolboard@sjesdelrio.org. To learn more about the position, go online and visit https://www.sjesdelrio.org/head-of-school.
“Persons interested in the position don’t have to be a member of the Episcopal Church. That’s very important to know. However, this person works very closely with the priest at St. James Church, so not all of the important decisions fall solely on the shoulders of the head of school,” Sigmon said.
Applications for head of school are being accepted through the end of February.
“It’s a very unique place to teach and to work. It’s just a really special place, so that’s why we’re looking for the right person and the best person for the position,” Sigmon said.
