Since assuming the Director position at St. Anne’s Day School in 2016, Kristin Watts has been a dedicated, creative, and respected leader for our community. Most recently, she has worked tirelessly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic to safely re-open the Day School for our teachers and children, but her contributions these last four years extend far beyond that effort alone. During her tenure, Kristin has achieved national accreditation in recognition of the Day School’s outstanding Reggio-inspired early childhood curriculum, she has supported and developed the Day School’s excellent staff of educators, and she has embraced the daily growth of each of our young students as individuals.

So it comes as no surprise that her endeavors would draw the attention of quality children’s schools throughout the region, and the offer to serve as Head of The Bright School, an institution serving students from pre-school through fifth grade in Chattanooga, TN, presents a well-deserved personal and professional opportunity that is too compelling for Kristin to pass up. Many of you are aware that her husband, Jay, currently serves as the Athletic Director at Girls Preparatory School, also in Chattanooga. That Kristin has been sought out for this Head of School position commends both her achievements as well as the excellent reputation of St. Anne’s Day School.

While Kristin’s departure will be a difficult loss for St. Anne’s, we are fortunate that she will remain at the helm of the Day School for the 2020/21 school year. The coming months will give us a chance to celebrate Kristin’s work and benefit from her experience and ongoing leadership. We will begin to lay the groundwork for a search and transition soon and look forward to engaging our school and church community as we find a new Day School Director. Owing to St. Anne’s position as an area leader in early childhood education and Reggio methods, we fully expect to attract a large pool of highly qualified applicants.

For now, please join us in congratulating Kristin on her new role and thanking her for her ongoing, dedicated service to the Day School.

Marla Moore, Senior Warden St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
Brittany Roberts, Advisory Council Chair Saint Anne’s Day School