Head of School Search

BES Search Committee Announces New Head of School

Letter from the Search Committee Chair
October 23, 2012

Dear Parents and Friends of Beaches Episcopal School,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the selection of Martha Milton as the Head of School of Beaches Episcopal School effective July 8, 2013. Martha was the unanimous first choice of the Search Committee and her selection was approved by the BES Board of Trustees. The Search Committee, with the guidance of Independent School Counsel’s search consultants, followed a comprehensive plan that generated interest from many well-qualified candidates. After careful consideration and review, the Search Committee determined that Martha’s qualifications and credentials met and/or exceeded all the criteria established for choosing the next Head of School. Her warm, steady nature will also be an asset in serving and leading the BES family.

Martha brings a wealth of knowledge regarding independent and Episcopal schools, with emphasis on elementary grades. For the past 10 years, Martha has served as Head of School at Grace Episcopal Day School, a premier Pre-K through 8th grade independent school located in Orange Park, Florida. She also brings to BES over 20 years of classroom teaching experience, as she was a classroom teacher at Riverside Presbyterian Day School in Jacksonville, S. Bryan Jennings in Orange Park, and Independence Elementary School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. While at Riverside Presbyterian Day School, she also served as Director of Academic Programs for five years. Martha is looking forward to continuing the many traditions at BES while advancing us towards even greater excellence.

Born in Ohio and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Martha has been in the Jacksonville area for over 35 years. She raised her son and daughter in Jacksonville. She and her husband, Glenn, reside in St. Augustine. Martha serves as a Board Member for the Episcopal Diocese Board of Regents and the Florida Kindergarten Council. Martha holds a M. ED. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida and a B.S. in Child Development/Elementary Education from Florida State University.

In closing, please join me in thanking and honoring Jackie Busse for her dedication to BES over the last 12 years. Jackie will continue as Head of School through the remainder of this school year and will work closely with Martha and the BES Board to ensure the transition is smooth and seamless. Martha and Bill Stewart have known each other for many years and they are excited about the opportunity to work together.

On behalf of the BES Search Committee, we thank you for your support and understanding during the search process. We look forward to introducing Martha Milton to you in the very near future.

Sincerely,

Tyra Tutor
 

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 Search Committee:

• Penny Pfab, Rector of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
• Kenny Richards, Senior Warden at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Board member and former parent
• Becky Harkness, Current PSO Chair, current parent
• Peggy Davis, Business Manager, former parent and former Board member
• Clay Philips, Former Trustee, former parent and current grandparent
• Tammie Corey, Teacher
• Tyra Tutor, Chair of the Search Committee

Download Letter from the Search Committee Chair (October 2012)

Download Letter from the Search Committee (August 2012)

Download Letter from the Search Committee Chair (April 2012)

Download Jackie Busse Retirement Announcement (April 2012)