St. Mark’s starts school year with new Head of School
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - St. Mark’s Episcopal Church & School appointed Deb Strainge as its new head of school, following the retirement of longtime educator Donna Bradley at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. Strainge comes to St. Mark’s from The Tower School in Marblehead, Massachusetts, where she served as a teacher and administrator for 28 years. Before joining St. Mark’s, she served as assistant head of school and also served Tower as head of lower school and a first grade classroom teacher. She brings expertise in curriculum, experience in administration, a passionate love for children, a deep faith in God, and a breadth of experience in leading an independent school.
“Given the significant physical and reputational growth of St. Mark’s in recent years, the search for a new head of school warranted a national scope,” says the Rev. Jim Cook, rector. “The appeal of St. Mark’s became clear early on in the search, and we were blessed to receive many qualified applicants from around the country. We are grateful that Deb’s skills, temperament, experience, and vision are an ideal fit for St. Mark’s. We couldn’t be more pleased with Deb as new Head of School.”
With Deb’s teaching experience and strong educational background, she is well positioned to lead a population of close to 500 students, ages 2 through 8th grade, and 80 faculty and staff members. “The depth of commitment to strong academics, principled character, and generosity of spirit is a distinctive quality of St. Mark’s, and I am moved by the way current and former students so lovingly recognize and share their gratitude for the gift of a St. Mark’s education,” says Strainge. “I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to serve in this special community.”
Strainge holds a bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State College and a master’s degree from Salem State College. She and her husband, Bryan, have two grown children.
For more information about St. Mark’s Episcopal Church & School, call 561-622-1504 or visit us on the web www.stmarkspbg.org.
