Head of School Leaving Westminster

school officials confirm to Patch that long-time Head of School Jim Marsh is retiring at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

The following announcements were also made by Marsh and the school's president of the board of directors.

Special Message from Steve Linton
President of the Board of Directors, Westminster Christian Academy

It is with much emotion that I write to inform you that Jim Marsh, our head of school for the past 27 years, has notified the Board of Directors that he intends to end his tenure in that position after the 2012-2013 school year. I am sad because of what Jim has meant to me personally, but more because of what he has meant to the entire Westminster community for more than a quarter of a century. However, I am also rejoicing with Jim as he now looks to the next chapter in his life and how God will use him going forward.

The history of Westminster, to this point, will always be directly associated with Jim Marsh. His belief in Christian education, incredible vision, and love for the Westminster community have made the school what it is today. His accomplishments over the past 28 years are too numerous to list in this letter. The most recent example of his vision is evident in the move to the Town & County campus this school year. Jim always believed that Westminster could be an even greater light to the St. Louis community.

In my mind, though, Jim Marsh’s impact is greater in areas that we may not see on an everyday basis. From the beginning, Jim has emphasized that Westminster Christian Academy needs to prepare students to “engage the world and change it for Jesus Christ.” He has never wavered from that view, and I believe that through Jim’s leadership, and through the faculty and staff that he has surrounded himself with over the years, Westminster has done just that. That is the greatest legacy that he could possibly leave behind.

As we look to the future, be assured that the Board of Directors will conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for Jim’s successor. We covet your prayers throughout this process. The Board has already begun this work in earnest, having established a general timeline for the search process that, Lord willing, will result in finding the new head of school for the start of the 2013-2014 school year. A committee comprised of current and former Board members, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni will be finalized and begin their work in the near future. We will make sure to keep the Westminster community updated as the process progresses. It is exciting to realize that as we begin this process, Westminster is in an exceptional position to attract the best possible candidates for this opportunity.

Jim will continue to serve Westminster throughout the next school year, as well as partner with the Board and his successor through any necessary transition. I would ask that during this time, you please take every opportunity to join the Board in thanking Jim Marsh for his incredible service to Westminster Christian Academy for the past 27 years. We pray that God will continue to bless him and his family.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Linton
President
Board of Directors

Letter to the Board from Jim Marsh
Head of School, Westminster Christian Academy

I have had the privilege of serving at Westminster Christian Academy for the past 27 years. From the first time I visited the Westminster campus in 1985, I have been incredibly grateful for a community with uncommon commitment to education founded on God’s Word and promises, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the educational experience. I will always treasure the blessing it has been to lead and serve in a Christian community so willing to take bold steps of faith and give so generously of time, talent, and resources.

After much thought and prayer, I have decided that I will conclude my time of service as head of school at the end of the 2012-2013 school year, my 28th year at Westminster. I will be 66 years old in July 2013; it is time for Westminster to transition to new leadership and for me to seek new opportunities to serve the great cause of Christian education. It will be very difficult to step away from a position that has been such a joy and blessing to my family and me for so many years and in so many ways. I thank God for the dedicated teachers and Board members, outstanding students and alumni, and loyal, generous families that have enriched my life and leadership.

God has blessed the Westminster Christian Academy community beyond measure during its relatively short history. Hundreds of young people have been prepared to engage the world and change it for Jesus Christ; Westminster graduates are making a difference for Him in every corner of the world. New and plentiful opportunities and possibilities afforded by our new campus in Town & Country are sure to provide transformative educational experiences that will bless our children and our children’s children (Psalm 78). I believe that the strength of Westminster’s foundation and leadership, and potential for growth and improvement, will ensure a very bright future for Westminster and its people.

In His service,

Jim Marsh
Head of School