After an extensive, nationwide Head of School search, the Board of Trustees has unanimously selected and appointed Mr. Jeffrey N. Plunk to become the next Head of School for Savannah Christian Preparatory School, effective July 1, 2022.
In Jeff, Savannah Christian has found an experienced teacher, administrator, and leader who is well-prepared to succeed Dr. Chris Harmon and lead Savannah Christian Preparatory School into its next chapter. Due to the success of Dr. Harmon’s leadership over the past six years, the school is able to offer Jeff the opportunity to assume his new role with us from a position of strength and positive momentum.
When the Head of School Search Committee embarked on this search, they felt it imperative to partner with a national, Christian-based search firm. After interviewing several firms, The Committee selected and partnered with NextEd, a national search firm specializing in “innovation and excellence” for Christian schools.
Throughout this national search, The Committee knew that the ideal candidate for the next Head of School for Savannah Christian Preparatory School would have to demonstrate qualities of servant leadership that are essential to leading a large, complex, college preparatory Christian school.
To continue building upon recent success, The Committee searched for a candidate that was willing to be involved in the life of the school, provide a clear vision, and view the success of the school as more important than personal accolades. The Board rests assured that after narrowing from a national pool of over fifty candidates and interviewing a highly vetted group narrowed to five of these national candidates, they have found this leader in Mr. Jeff Plunk.
Donald R. Martin, Jr., Chair of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Head of School Search Committee said, “In Jeff, we feel confident that we have identified a man of deep faith, who is poised, ready, and dedicated to continuing the forward progress and success of Savannah Christian Preparatory School in fulfilling its mission of ‘Developing the Whole Person to the Glory of God’”.
The Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee feel that Jeff represents the highest ideals of a visionary educator who will sustain the mission and values with strategic intention and thoughtful care. Savannah Christian is excited and energized by the promise and potential of Jeff’s appointment as the new Head of School.
In selecting Jeff as the next Head of School, the Search Committee was impressed by his understanding and application of best practices of education without compromising the strong academic distinction of the school’s mission. Jeff’s personal faith, professional expertise, and leadership skills closely align with those of Savannah Christian Preparatory School.
About Jeff Plunk
Jeff has a distinguished career teaching and leading in some of the finest independent schools in Georgia. After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Mathematics, Jeff worked at Woodward Academy, The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, and Wesleyan School.
At Wesleyan, he was the Dean of Students before being appointed as Principal of the High School. Jeff’s eight-year tenure was marked by an increase in curriculum options and flexibility for students while measurably improving their academic success.
Following Wesleyan, Jeff assumed the Headship of Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he has successfully led the school for the past three years. At Ascension, he prioritized the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan while also establishing a curriculum plan that incorporates improved academic alignment and added rigor. Ultimately, Jeff’s goal was to prioritize what was best for students and in line with their mission.
Jeff has been married for 29 years to Jennifer, who was also his college sweetheart. They have two children that are both currently in college. Matthew is a junior at Georgia Tech studying International Affairs and Modern Languages and Maddie is a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis studying Psychology and Drama. Jeff and Jennifer are Georgia natives and are excited to return to their home state.
Jeff will assume the role of Head of School as the school begins its 71st year. Savannah Christian Preparatory School is excited to welcome Jeff and Jennifer to the community this July 2022.