Dr. Sean Chapman Stepping Down As Head of School

Dear Providence Community,

With a sense of heartfelt gratitude, I’m writing to let you know that I informed the board of directors I have decided to resign from the position of Head of School at Providence. When I return on March 1 and until my last day on July 31, I will work in a supportive role with the board, Interim Head of School Joey Thacker, and the rest of the leadership team to do everything I can to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

As you’re likely aware, I experienced a heart attack in November which resulted in emergency open-heart surgery. Those life-altering events led to a great deal of reflection and prayer for Mandy and me. I thank God the surgery was successful and my prognosis is good. However, I know the pace and pressure that comes with the Head of School role, and for my and my family’s sake I can’t continue to make the full commitment to this leadership role that I have in the past.

This is a bittersweet decision since the ministry and community of Providence have been pivotal influences in my and my family’s life. Mandy and I met here as young teachers, were married shortly thereafter, and have since seen all four of our children born during our time at the school. We’ve walked through some of our greatest joys and most searing pain over these years. I will treasure the relationships and savor the memories of the last 27 years.

I am thankful for our board and their unwavering commitment to the Providence mission. It has been my pleasure to serve with them and our staff in partnering with covenant parents to raise generations of faithful followers of Jesus who impact the world for Him. I am humbled by the trust that has been placed in us. And I pray that the Lord will continue to prove Himself in the lives of our students and alumni—for they are the legacy of this school.

In the near term, I plan to finish well at Providence beginning with my return next month. Mandy and I will always be fans of Providence and cheering you on as the mission goes forward. We believe the best days are ahead!

Sincerely,

Sean Chapman, Ed.D.

To the Providence Community,
 
I know I speak for the members of the Providence Board, for our faculty and staff, and for you, our covenant community, when I say “thank you, thank you, thank you!” to Sean and Mandy Chapman for nearly three decades of service to our school, our students and our families.
 
Over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Sean as he led our school, and during that time, we developed a close friendship for which I am personally very grateful. In speaking with many of you over the years, I know that Sean holds a special place in your family’s hearts as well. We look forward to a time of remembering and honoring the Chapman’s legacy and contributions over the course of the coming semester.
 
Thank you for your prayers for Sean’s health over the past several months. I also ask for continued prayers for Sean, Mandy, and the boys as they step into what God has planned for them in the next chapter of their lives.
 
We are grateful to Sean for his commitment to “finish well” and his willingness to serve through the end of the current school year. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Joey Thacker for his leadership as Interim Head of School over the past few months and his willingness to continue to serve in this role while the Board works through the process of selecting the next leader for Providence Christian Academy.  

And finally, I want to thank you, the parents of our students, for choosing to partner with our school as we remain committed to our mission—to provide excellence in Christ-centered education as an extension of the Christian home.
 
In Christ,
 
Keith Style
Chairman, Board of Directors