Spartanburg Day School’s Headmaster Stepping Down in 2012

SPARTANBURG, SC – May 16, 2011 – After eleven years at the helm of Spartanburg Day School, headmaster Chris Dorrance announced this morning that he will be stepping down at the end of the upcoming school year. His departure will come at the end of June 2012.

Chris Dorrance was appointed as the 6th headmaster of the school in 2001. Under his leadership, the school has undergone a significant transformation marked by growth in academic reputation, capital development, implementation of innovative curriculum and programs, establishment of community partnerships, and continued success in nation-wide 100% college placement for all students in this college-preparatory school.

Chairman of the Day School’s Board of Trustees, T. Alex Evins, III, praised Dorrance’s many contributions to the school. “While we are saddened by Chris’s decision to retire, we feel blessed that we will have had 11 years of Dorrance’s outstanding leadership,” said Evins. During Dorrance’s tenure, we have strengthened the school dramatically.

Under Dorrance’s administration, the financial strength of the institution has been bolstered by gifts totaling $37.5 million. The investment of  $25.6 million of these gifts into capital improvements has served to fully transform and modernize the forty acre campus. Physical upgrades will culminate with the completion of a new state-of-the-art upper school. This signature building on Skylyn Drive will prominently display the growth and transformation of the school, and it is nearing completion. The new facility will be inaugurated in the fall as students return for a new school year. In addition, the campus’s physical renewal has included the renovation of the original buildings – constructed in the 60’s – to LEED standards, construction of a new dining commons, new athletic center, new track, baseball fields, and practice facilities. In short, Dorrance envisioned and artfully guided the school’s complete physical transformation.

The changes at the Day School, however, have not been limited to physical facilities.  During his years as headmaster, the school added an International Baccalaureate Program that is enriching the hearts and minds of young learners. Also worthy of notice are the implementation of the world-renowned Singapore Math curriculum and the addition of Chinese to the school’s language offerings. A tradition of academic excellence remains the standard from 4K to 12th grade.  From the media center to the computer labs to the learning and arts centers, apprenticeships and special studies, the school stands ready to address the specific educational, emotional, and physical needs of students in the Upstate. In essence, Spartanburg Day School continues to bring the world to Spartanburg.

Chris Dorrance, a native of Rochester, New York, graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1967 and received his B. A. in History from Amherst College in 1971. Later he would earn his Master of Arts in Teaching from Reed College. Dorrance’s 41 year career in teaching, coaching and administration has included positions at five independent schools in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South. In addition to serving as Head of the Spartanburg Day School, Dorrance has had the opportunity to teach Advanced Placement courses in Government and US History and to play an active role in the college counseling process.

In a recent interview, Dorrance said about his tenure at the Day School  “I am extremely proud of all that is being accomplished at SDS. The new facilities match the quality and breadth of our academic programs and the excellence of our talented and diverse faculty. The Day School offers a brand of education that distinguishes itself by its demanding academic program, an athletic program that underscores participation, a strong commitment to the arts, and a global education that prepares students for the world they will inherit.”

Chris and his wife of 40 years, Alice, have no definitive future plans at the moment. They intend to remain in Spartanburg for the foreseeable future with the goal of remaining active members of the Spartanburg community. “Spartanburg is a very special place in which to live and we are grateful for the many ways in which it has enriched our lives,” said Dorrance.

Evins announced the formation of a search committee in the coming weeks to identify a new head of school by December of this year. The new headmaster is expected to join Spartanburg Day School in June 2012, following Dorrance’s departure. The search committee will be chaired by Billy Webster and it will work with a consultant to attract a pool of candidates. Evins pointed out that the search for a new headmaster is among the Board of Trustees’ most important responsibilities.

“We have put in place a thoughtful and methodical process that we believe will result in finding the best individual to replace Dorrance and who will move Spartanburg Day School ahead within the framework of its mission and core values,” Evins said.

“Spartanburg Day School has never been stronger,” said Evins. “It has an excellent reputation, an outstanding faculty and curriculum, a 54 year history of balanced budgets, a well-maintained physical plant, a veteran and talented administrative staff, and a committed Board of Trustees. Chris Dorrance, our quiet and unassuming leader, has facilitated this progress. His sound leadership will be his legacy, and we wish him the greatest success as he moves into the next phase of his life.

Evins also remarked, Heads of schools do retire and new ones come in. We look forward to attracting a new head of school who will build upon our solid foundation.