A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR AND HEAD OF SCHOOL-ELECT
OCTOBER 2025
A MESSAGE FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR | TAYLOR FRANKLIN ’00
Dear Norfolk Collegiate Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share that Jonathan Day, currently head of the upper school at Savannah Country Day School in Georgia, has accepted our invitation to become the next head of Norfolk Collegiate School, effective July 1, 2026.
This exciting appointment follows a thoughtful and thorough search process that began in March. Guided by The Education Group, our Search Committee launched a national and international effort to identify the strongest candidates for our community. More than 50 educators expressed interest, and through careful consideration, six were invited for confidential interviews. From there, four finalists and their spouses visited campus, engaging with students, faculty, staff, parents, administrators and trustees. After these visits and robust community feedback, the Committee unanimously recommended Jonathan Day, and the Board of Trustees unanimously confirmed this nomination on Oct. 1.
Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership to his new role. Since 2016, he has served as upper school head at Savannah Country Day, where he has guided faculty and students with vision and care. While serving in this role, he grew enrollment and strengthened the school’s learning resource program to further support all students. He established a Teaching Fellowship program creating opportunities for faculty mentoring and leadership. Prior to that, he held multiple positions at Pace Academy in Atlanta, developing curriculum, teaching and serving as dean of students in the upper school. Over 17 years, he has developed a strong record of academic leadership, shaped by mentorship from two highly respected heads of school who regard him as a natural fit for headship. A graduate of Woodward Academy in Atlanta, an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a graduate degree from Louisiana State University, he is well-positioned to lead Norfolk Collegiate into the future.
During his visit to Norfolk Collegiate, Jonathan
impressed our community with his warmth, charm and authenticity. He engaged in thoughtful conversations, listened carefully, and connected easily with all groups. Community surveys ranked him highest among our finalists, affirming his ability to inspire confidence and excitement. Jonathan and his wife Julie, along with their two college-aged sons, are eager to join the Norfolk Collegiate family. They look forward to spending time on campus throughout the transition year and building strong relationships with students, families, faculty and staff.
The successful conclusion of this search reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire community. I want to extend special thanks to Search Committee members Thomas Minton ’90, Pamela Crenshaw ’92, Brian Clements, and Trina Stewart for their countless hours of work and thoughtful leadership. We are also grateful to Margaret Moore and Bob Veto of The Education Group for their expertise and guidance. Most importantly, thank you to every member of the Norfolk Collegiate community who contributed feedback, shared insights and participated in welcoming our finalists. Your voices were vital in shaping this decision.
Selecting a head of school is among the most important responsibilities of any Board of Trustees. In this process, we can take pride not only in the outstanding outcome but also in the strength of the search itself—broad, comprehensive and guided by the values of our school. With Jonathan’s leadership, we are confident that Norfolk Collegiate will continue to thrive as a place where students are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Please join me in welcoming Jonathan, Julie, and their family to Norfolk Collegiate. We are excited for the future and grateful to embark on this new chapter together.
With gratitude,
Taylor Franklin ’00 Chair, Head of School Search Committee
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL-ELECT | JONATHAN DAY
Dear Norfolk Collegiate Community,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write to you as the next head of school at Norfolk Collegiate. From the moment I first connected with the school, I was struck by your warmth, candor and sense of purpose. Julie and I are thrilled to be joining this extraordinary community and look forward to calling Norfolk our new home.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the rigorous and inclusive search process. At every step, from thoughtful conversations with the Search Committee to engaging discussions with faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni, I experienced firsthand the pride you share in our school and the clarity of identity that makes Norfolk Collegiate so special. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with me and to show me the vibrant life of this community.
Norfolk Collegiate has a clear mission, a shared vocabulary, and a deep sense of purpose and I am eager to partner with you to build on the many strengths already in place. Together, we will continue to cultivate a community where students are known, supported, and challenged, and where faculty and families feel valued as essential members of the learning journey.
Julie and I are excited to cheer for the Oaks, to celebrate your traditions, and to walk alongside you as we shape the next chapter of growth and success for Norfolk Collegiate. It is an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I look forward to getting to know each of you in the months ahead.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Jonathan W. Day Head of School-Elect
OUR MISSION: Norfolk Collegiate develops critical thinkers, doers and explorers through innovative, engaging instruction in an inclusive and supportive learning community.
OUR VISION: Innovative learning for a changing world.