About Head of School Search Updates

FPD family,

Our efforts continue in finalizing the search. We had some great meetings with semi-finalist candidates this week, and we continue to be impressed with the caliber of candidates that God has brought forward for us to consider. We as a search committee and board will continue to move at a rapid pace in discerning the correct choice, and we anticipate a decision and announcement no later than April 15^th.

Please continue to be in prayer for the committee as we complete the work. We have already seen the fruits of those prayers in our work, as God has opened some doors and closed some others.

Of one thing we are convinced: God’s hand is on FPD and that He will continue to bless FPD while we cling to the mission. In selecting the next leader, we are seeking that servant leader and good steward for the next chapter, and we have full confidence that God will provide the right person for the job.

Enjoy Spring Break with your families and expect to hear more by mid-April.

Seeking His wisdom,

Phillips Jones, Search Committee Chair

FPD family,

The efforts of the board and search committee are ongoing, and we have made some progress worthy of a report. You will see the “Opportunity Profile” here that NextEd will use to generate interest from Head of School candidates. The profile is a compilation of feedback from surveys, focus groups, and search committee meetings. To date, even prior to the release of the Opportunity Profile, we have over 14 applicants for the position, including some excellent internal candidates. While there is no formal private school ranking system, we are widely recognized in Christian school circles as a top 100 Christian school in the country based on our longevity, programming, and accreditation. As such, we expect that application number to grow higher in the coming weeks as the document circulates around the region.

Our collective goal is to make sure that we leave no stone uncovered as we seek to fill this important position for the future of our school. To that end, we expect in the next month to begin preliminary interviews with semifinalist candidates, as we energetically pursue the goal of finding who God would have us select. We understand the importance of performing the task in a timely manner, so we will continue to lean forward in our efforts for the good of Viking Nation.

I’ll report back when there is more information to share. Until then, please keep the search committee in your prayers. Specifically, pray that our efforts would be thorough yet timely and that we maintain the incredible momentum our school has experienced in recent years. Additionally, please consider signing up for the prayer effort on the Head of School search page.

Seeking His wisdom,

Phillips Jones
Chair, Search Committee

Dear FPD Community,

As the new year begins, I am pleased to share an update on the Head of School search on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Following thoughtful prayer, meetings, and discussions, the search process is now underway, and initial decisions are being made. In alignment with FPD’s bylaws, one of the Board’s primary responsibilities is to appoint and oversee the Head of School, its sole employee. To fulfill this duty, the Board will serve as the search committee for this critical role and has appointed Phillips Jones, Board Vice Chair, to lead the search process. Phillips can be reached at: FPDSearchChair@fpdmacon.org.

To assist in this endeavor, we have engaged NextEd, a professional search firm with a successful track record of placing well-suited candidates in Christian schools nationwide. We are confident that, under the leadership of Steve O’Neil, NextEd will diligently search for and vet candidates—whether internal or external—who align with FPD’s mission to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory.

The initial phase of the search will involve developing a Head of School profile based on campus visits and interviews with the Board, faculty, and friends of FPD. Following this, the position will be actively marketed, and candidate interviews and evaluations will begin.

I pray for God’s blessings upon you in the new year and eagerly anticipate His guidance in shaping FPD’s promising future.

He is faithful,

Terri Harper

Board of Trustees, Chair

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than yours,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:9

To Families and Friends of First Presbyterian Day School,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to inform you that we have received the resignation of Dr. John Patterson, Head of School, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Patterson shared his decision with the faculty and staff earlier today. Beginning July 1, 2025, he will assume a leadership role as Head of School at the prestigious Brentwood Academy, in Brentwood, TN.

FPD is strong and in a great place in her history! Dr. Patterson, during his five-year tenure at FPD, has left an indelible mark on our school. His pursuit of excellence and passion for FPD are evident across the campus, in our classrooms, and in the hearts of many. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

• Campus improvements, such as renovations of nearly every building on campus, enhancing the entrance and exit to make them more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing, and beautifying the campus through landscaping initiatives
• Accelerating fundraising efforts, which were bolstered by the addition of a Director of Development
• Implementing a comprehensive safety program, including the introduction of a uniformed officer on campus
• Deep care for students, knowing most by name, praying for them, and maintaining an open-door policy to ensure accessibility
• Creating an amazing leadership team with his support staff
• Leading the school to a successful renewal of accreditation from three agencies in March of this year, receiving high praise from visiting professionals involved in the process

It has been my privilege, as the Chair of the Board, to have supported Dr. Patterson in his leadership role in strengthening FPD’s status as one of the nation’s exemplary Christian schools. His embodiment of FPD’s mission, “to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory,” has been a hallmark of his time here. We deeply appreciate his dedication to the school, its mission, and our community. He and Cindy will be greatly missed! We trust that God will continue to use them for His glory, as they move forward.

In accordance with our by-laws, the Board of Trustees will begin a national search for a new Head of School. We are committed to transparency throughout this process and will keep the school community updated through a dedicated page on the FPD website. The Board is optimistic and confident that FPD’s future is strong and bright. God’s faithfulness and goodness will continue to guide us as we move forward with unwavering commitment to our mission and values.

For God’s glory,

Terri Harper
Board of Trustees, Chair