Headmaster Tom Whitworth announced today that Associate Headmaster Mark Carleton will leave Darlington at the end of the current school year to assume a new role as Headmaster at Presbyterian School in Houston, Texas.
“My years at Darlington have been so rewarding for me and for my family, which has actually grown since we arrived,” Carleton said. “Laurel and I will always hold very fond memories of this good place and the wonderful people here. We have made great friends, and our son Richard was born here just last year.”
Carleton came to Darlington in July 2006 to fill the role of assistant headmaster and director of Upper School. In two-and-a-half years, he has been instrumental in overseeing the implementation of uniforms in the Middle and Upper Schools, revising Upper School discipline and honor processes, beginning a servant leadership program for the Upper School, guiding Darlington through dual accreditation, opening discussions about PK-12 curricular cohesiveness, and reinvigorating the spiritual life program. Just this year, Carleton also assumed the title of associate headmaster.
“Mark’s extensive background in pre-K to college education coupled with his commitment to children, teaching and leadership has served Darlington well over the past two-and-a-half years,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “His work here at Darlington has been outstanding in helping us strengthen our commitment to academic excellence, and it will be very important for us to continue the good work that he has so aptly begun.
“I am thrilled about this opportunity for Mark and his family. He deserves to be a headmaster,” Whitworth continued. “He is a born leader, and I know in my heart that he will do everything in his power to make Presbyterian School the best it can be. This is an opportunity for him and his young family to get closer to home, which I know is important to them. We are all very proud of Mark, and I thank him for his good work and his unwavering commitment to Darlington School.”
Carleton said his time at Darlington has been an important part of his career path, and he has learned a great deal not only from his colleagues, but also from the students.
“There are no better students, families, or colleagues than the ones here at Darlington,” he said. “From my first day in 2006 teaching tenth grade English to that much anticipated day in May of 2009 when those same students will walk across the stage at graduation, the experience here has been singular because of the powerful and challenging relationships we have been able to forge with the people in this community—both inside and outside of our halls.”
A search is already underway for Carleton’s replacement.
“Our goal is to locate an eminent leader to fill his shoes 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 our school family apprised of our progress.”
