School Leadership

Mrs. Debbie Thomas Fairbanks graduated from SCPS in 1981. After graduating from the University of Georgia in Fashion Merchandising, she returned to college at Armstrong University to receive her teaching certificate in Middle Grades. Mrs. Fairbanks began her career at SCPS in 1994 as a middle school teacher and cheer coach. She was the Director of Admissions from 2003 until 2020. Mrs. Fairbanks serves the school as Senior Director of Advancement. She has been involved with SCPS for the past 48 years as a student, an employee, a parent, and now a grandparent at SCPS.

Dr. Knight is the Principal of the Lower School at SCPS. The Lower School is the front door of the school where many of our graduates start their school careers.  Dr. Knight has been in education in several capacities for 18 years, rising through the administrative ranks due to her strong academic leadership. Dr. Knight has a BA in elementary education from Elon University and MEd in school leadership with an emphasis on curriculum from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received her Doctorate in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University.

Originally from Fort Wayne, IN, Mr. Bopp is a 2003 graduate of Wabash College, where he was a two-time captain of the Wabash College Football Team. Mr. Bopp has served in various roles (teacher, coach, and principal) at Merritt Island Christian School since 2005. Earning his master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education in 2013, Mr. Bopp shared that “being a principal has been so rewarding. The opportunity to lead others has been inspiring.” He was honored to be named the 2017 Brevard County Breakfast of Champions Administrator of the Year.

Mrs. Straight is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University (1993), an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Florida State University (1996), and an M.Ed in Counseling Education from Georgia Southern University (2005). Since she began working at SCPS in 2005, Mrs. Straight has held multiple positions, including School Counselor, Dean of Academics, and Girls’ Golf Coach.

Megan grew up in Savannah and attended Savannah Christian Prep for High School, from which she graduated in 2005. From there, she attended Georgia Southern University and earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting (2009) and Master of Accounting (2011). After graduate school, she worked for a regional public accounting firm with a focus in financial statement audits. In 2017, she came home to SCPS and joined the administrative team.

Mrs. Julie Jones graduated from Savannah Christian in 1993.  After graduating from Georgia College & State University with a major in Health & Physical Education, Mrs. Jones returned to begin her career at Savannah Christian. Over the past 23 years, Mrs. Jones has held numerous positions including teaching, Assistant Athletic Director, Dean of Students, Head Soccer Coach, Assistant Basketball, Assistant Track, and will begin her 23rd year as the Head Volleyball Coach.

Leighton Upton was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. He received a B.A. in Religion from Bob Jones University and an M.A in Christian Education and Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Tennessee with a focus in Educational Leadership. Mr. Upton has a passion for developing the next generation to become leaders in their spheres of influence and become dedicated followers of Christ. Leighton is married to Janelle Upton and together they have a son, Calvin.

Lucy was born and raised in Savannah. She received a BSEd in early childhood education from the University of Georgia and an MEd in early childhood education from Georgia Southern University. Lucy began volunteering in the Fine Arts program as her children enrolled at SCPS and developed a passion for supporting and promoting Fine Arts as an essential part of our school. Lucy is married to Marc, and they are parents to Marc Jr., SCPS ’16; Jackson, SCPS ’19; and Lucy Smith, SCPS ’23.