Headmaster Tom Whitworth announced today that ELA-8 Director Dr. James Hutchins will leave Darlington at the end of the current school year to assume a new role as president/headmaster of The Donoho School, a PK-12 school in Anniston, Ala.
“James has cut his teeth in a very strong school,” Whitworth said. “His experience in education, pedagogy and leadership will serve him well as he takes this next step. James has navigated some very tough waters for Darlington, and without him we would not be where we are today. I am very proud of him and I know that Donoho will benefit greatly from his leadership and expertise.”
Hutchins was hired in 2002 to teach middle school science. Prior to being named director of the ELA-8 program in 2012, he served as Middle School division director, Middle School associate director, Middle School dean of studies and science teacher.
During his tenure, Hutchins has been integral in launching the Early Learning Academy, transitioning the lower grades to the main campus and establishing a fluid ELA-8 program. He chaired the committee that developed a standards-based curriculum in the lower grades as well as the committee that researched, planned and successfully implemented a new Substance Abuse Policy in the Upper School. He was also tapped to serve on the 2005 Presidential Transition Committee; on the committee that researched, planned and implemented the school’s 1:1 technology program; on the committee that developed a comprehensive performance evaluation program for faculty and staff; and on accreditation teams for schools throughout the Southeast.
“I’m so excited for James and his family,” said James Milford, associate headmaster. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with James for the past 10 years, and during this time I have watched his leadership ability grow and deepen. He has stewarded Darlington masterfully through the merge and move of our Lower and Middle divisions. He was the ideal person to be in the trenches with the students, teachers and parents as we forged ahead. I will enjoy watching James as he moves Donoho in a great direction. They are getting a great leader.”
Hutchins is the recipient of the 2004 James Douglas Brown Jr. Award, the 2006 Parents’ Choice Award, the 2005 and 2006 Students’ Choice – Excellence in Teaching Award, the 2006 Students’ Choice – Enthusiasm in Teaching Award, and the 2007 George W. Awsumb Faculty Award. He and his wife Renee, ELA-2 learning specialist, are the parents of Jordan (’12) and Katie (’15).
“The reality of leaving Darlington hasn’t set in yet,” Hutchins said. “This place is home to me and my family, and it has truly been a blessing to have served here. I will miss the students, teachers, staff and parents – the whole community. I will miss the friendships that I’ve developed. Darlington is a wonderful place to work and live, and I have no doubt that its best days are ahead.”
Hutchins added that the experiences he has had at Darlington have been critical to his career path, and have prepared him well for his next steps.
“I feel confident and prepared to be a head of school,” he said. “Darlington has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, but mostly as a person. Tom Whitworth, Dr. Mark Carleton, James Milford and Jim Van Es were each instrumental in helping to shape my leadership style. Tom has challenged me as a leader to always think about students. I’ve been very blessed at Darlington.”
A national search for Hutchins’ replacement will soon be underway. Whitworth plans to appoint an ELA-8 Director Search Committee, led by faculty and staff members, to head up the search. This committee will make a recommendation to Whitworth, who will make the final decision on hiring in consult with incoming Head of School Brent Bell.
“Our goal is to locate an eminent leader who will meet the high expectations of the position,” Whitworth said. “We are moving quickly in order to attract the most capable candidates available, and we will keep the Darlington Community apprised of our progress.”
