Kelly named new CCS headmaster
Mark E. Kelly has been named new headmaster at Concord Christian School and Preschool. The announcement was sent out to CCS parents and First Baptist Concord leaders last week.
Kelly has filled in as head of school since January and will be the sixth administrator in that position since the church began a kindergarten program in 1996. He joined the church staff in 2009 and since 2012 has served as executive director.
“Following an intensive time of focused prayer and seeking God's direction for our school, it is with great pleasure and pride we announce the appointment of Mark E. Kelly to serve as Head of School for Concord Christian School and Preschool,” a CCS school board press release stated.
“I'm excited to build upon the legacy of so many who have made our school the special place it is today,” Kelly said. “We will continue to be a place where obedience to God leads us to pursue excellence in all things, and a place where students develop a lifelong passion for learning. … I'm humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our students and their families, a fantastic faculty and staff, and our community at large as Head of School. It's a challenge that I feel uniquely gifted and prepared for.”
Concord Christian School got its start about 35 years ago with a preschool program. The Southern Association of College and Schools and Association of Christian Schools International accreditation serves preschool of about 400 students and grades K-12 with 800 students.
“We are at capacity,” said Stephanie Watson, director of admissions and marketing. “We have wait lists in several areas, including pre-K, kindergarten, and fifth and seventh grades. There’s a necessity down the road to get a new high school. We have been blessed beyond belief. It’s so fun to meet new families coming on campus.”
“Our high school continues to grow and serve students that are accomplishing amazing things!” Kelly said. “Because of this, we continue to attract interest from students not just locally but from around the world. We are currently challenged with space and facility issues and our school board is working with me on how to best address these important and strategic opportunities.”
Kelly served in the U.S. Air Force and has held leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. He holds an A.A.S. in Logistics from the Community College of the Air Force, where he was on staff for six years as a degree program manager and member of the SACS accreditation team. He also holds a B.S.B.A. in Finance from Auburn University at Montgomery, and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He also serves as a permanent member of the Concord Christian School Board, as a member of the Board of Directors for KnoxWorx, as a member of the East Tennessee C12 CEO group, is actively involved with the SBC Executive Pastor Leadership group, and has served in leadership positions of other local community and professional associations.
“We believe that Mark possesses qualities and gifts that align with our community and vision for the future of Concord Christian School and Preschool,” the school board said. “We are confident that Mark will continue to build on our long-standing strengths while at the same time move Concord successfully into the future. Upon stepping into the role of Interim Head of School in January, Mark has provided solid leadership to our teachers and staff as well as our Concord Family. He has intentionally sought to get to know our families through various campus activities, in addition to numerous one on one meetings. He is passionate about creating an environment where students become lifelong learners and realize the fullness of their God given potential. Mark will assume the role of permanent Head of School immediately. We are excited about the future and will continue to give God all the glory as we journey ahead, knowing that He is the center of everything we do at Concord.”
With the headmaster position filled, the school is now gathering resumes for the high school principal position that will be vacated at the end of the school year.
