ORANGE PARK – St. John’s Country Day school soon will have a new headmaster and the kindergarten-through-12th grade private school looks to continue its tradition of excellence.

Valorie Baker was selected as the eighth of “Head of School.” She will take over the position on July 1, overseeing all aspects of the school.

“Mrs. Baker’s experience, background, and expertise give the Board of Trustees great confidence that she is the right fit for our school,” Rick Gregerson, president of the board. “Having previously lived on the First Coast, she is very knowledgeable with the environment in which St. John’s families live and work.”

Prior to joining St. John’s Country Day, Baker served as the head of middle school for the past two years at the Webb School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Before the Webb School, Baker worked at Palmer Trinity School as the Director of Auxiliary Programs. She also held positions at Louisville Collegiate as Director of Community Relations, Episcopal School of Jacksonville as Director of Counselling and the Bolles School as a college counselor.

According to a St. John’s press release, Baker’s experience in varied locations and commitment to diversity are among the qualities which make her ideal for the position which she will assume.

Her ability to forge partnerships and to create opportunities which will maximize students’ abilities to reach their academic goals. Over her prior stops at other educational institutions, she developed skills in personnel and fiscal management and administration. Also, her familiarity with the region [Episcopal and Bolles], should increase her understanding of the needs of local students and their families, according to the release.