Tribute to Damian Jones

DAMIAN JONES

Head of School: 2014-2022

Following his eight-year tenure, Damian and his family will be relocating to California, where he will lead the Center for Early Education.

“During my entire time at Burke as a parent, trustee, and now as Board President, Damian has been an inspiring leader. [His] vision for what this community could accomplish led to the successful Stand with Burke Campaign, creation of an innovative, school-wide social change curriculum, and a strong outlook for enrollment and financial sustainability heading into next year,” wrote Sharon Davis P’19, in a letter to the community this past fall.

At the Auction for Financial Aid on April 9, 2022, students, faculty, parents, and trustees also paid tribute to Damian and thanked him for his compassion, wisdom, and impact:

“Today, under Damian’s leadership, I see the fullest expression to date of this promise that Jean [Mooskin] and Dick [Roth] made in 1968.” - Siobhan Roth ‘88 P’26 ‘28

“I think one of the most important things Damian did was to stand as a presence, as a black man, as a leader, in the Washington DC independent school community.” - Sean Felix (MS Dean of Community / 6th Grade Core)

“Damian always had his door open. He would come out of his office into the common area and he would talk – and the students respected him.” - Cynthia McCarther-Parker P’12 (Past Faculty)

“He’s a very thoughtful leader and an engaged one.” - Leah Winston ‘22

“It’s so monumental because it’s something we don’t see a lot. I think that he represents Burke very 6 \\ 1968 Edmund Burke School Magazine well and he paves the way, not only for black teachers, but for black students as well.” - Montanna Norman ‘22

Winter 2021 // 7

Henry R. ‘28 for 3D Explorations

8 \\ 1968 Edmund Burke School Magazine “During his visit to Burke, Steve’s profound appreciation for both the Middle and High School experience became readily apparent in his interactions with faculty and students. Steve’s record of programmatic innovation, strong culture and community building across divisions, and strategic leadership all stood out.”

Dawn Chism P’21 & P’24 & Peter Sheridan P’24 & P’26 Co-Chairs, Head of School Search Committee

STEVE MCMANUS