John Melton, Fuqua Head of School has announced that he will not be returning after next year.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to share with you that this upcoming school year will be my last year at Fuqua School,” Melton said in a letter addressed to Fuqua School Families. “I say this because my family and I have a deep affection for the school, and it is where my daughter earned her diploma. Here I found a community intent on providing the best possible education for children in Southside Virginia. I discovered an amazing and passionate faculty and staff committed to the success of each student. However, after considerable thought and soul-searching, I have decided it is time for me to follow a new path.”

Melton accepted the position of Head of School in 2015 and his letter pointed out several accomplishments he was proud of including constructing a STEAM lab, installing new bleachers in Gilmer Gym, and completing an almost $2 million facility improvement project focused on energy and maintenance efficiency. “The implementation of STEAM classes, the development of an impactful advisory program and the introduction of Spanish to the Middle School are all actions that are positioning students from the Middle School for even greater success in the Upper School,” he explained.

Other items include the school’s innovative aviation program, and expanding the course selection with creative online and college course options for the Upper School. “One of our most impressive markers of success is the incredible average college scholarship offer of $50,000 per graduate this past year,” said Melton. “None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the leadership of our Board of Trustees.”

Melton also touched on the school financial bases praising the increased annual giving over the last four years and the cultivation of beneficial partnerships. “We must build on this progress,” added Melton.

“Together, we have made exciting advances over the last four years in many areas including in our academic programs, our facilities, and our fundraising,” said Erin Whaley, chairperson, Fuqua School Board of Trustees.

According to Whaley, over the next few months, the Board of Trustees will be searching to find a new Head of School. “It will be the responsibility of the search committee to screen and evaluate candidates and to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, which will make a final decision on the appointment,” Whaley explained. “While we expect that this process will lead to an announcement by late fall or early winter of this year, we will remain flexible with our timetable. The goal is simply to find the best possible person to lead our school.”