Loading...The Episcopal School of Knoxville Headmaster Jay Secor announced that after much reflection, he will retire after 42 years of service to education at the end of the 2014-15 academic year.
Secor, who was named the founding Headmaster at ESK in 1998, has seen the school through its entire 16-year history and feels that ESK is now poised for fresh leadership that will not only maintain, but also grow what he started.
“I am a ‘lucky guy’ to have been tapped to be the founding Headmaster of the Episcopal School of Knoxville,” Secor said. “From its fragile beginnings on the grounds of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church to the school that we love today, ESK has accomplished a great deal.
“The school is in sound standing with an advanced academic program, and is now recognized as a prominent leader in quality independent education in Knoxville.”
Under Secor’s leadership, ESK has experienced modernization and expansion, resulting in record enrollment and the successful launch of programs such as Farm to Table lunch, a school-wide sustainability program and a Flex 1:1 program for Middle School students. In addition, Secor helped to create a unique learning environment in which students thrive by combining academic excellence with a commitment to educating the child as a whole. ESK has become a school where faculty and staff at the top of their professions provide individualized attention to all students and varied learning styles in small classes.
The last 16 years have seen the school grow from 23 students in “cottages” in 1998 to over 350 students on a 100-acre state-of-the art Junior Kindergarten through Eighth Grade campus. Secor oversaw the construction of Googe Hall, the Bishop Center, The Brewington Family Lower School and in his final year will see the addition of new Lower School classrooms.
Amy Schumaker, president of the Board of Trustees, said that Secor has played an integral role in the school’s history.
“His legacy is nothing less than the very existence and excellence of The Episcopal School of Knoxville,” she said. “From 1998 to today, Jay has led this dynamic institution with unparalleled leadership, vision and good humor.”
Schumaker added “it is hard to imagine ESK without his unyielding optimistic style of leadership, his contagious laugh and warm sprit.”
The Episcopal School of Knoxville Board of Trustees has formed a search committee and retained the services of a national executive search and leadership advisory firm specializing in independent schools, colleges and nonprofits. Schumaker said they anticipate that ESK's second Headmaster will be announced in late fall of 2014.
