A Letter to the GSA Community
Dear GSA Community
As your Board of Trustees, we are pleased to announce Shelly Schildroth (‘00, P‘18 ‘25) as our next Head of School of George Stevens Academy.
Throughout the search process, Shelly distinguished herself as an exceptional candidate whose experience, leadership philosophy, and deep commitment to our region align strongly with the mission and future direction of George Stevens Academy. As a GSA alumna and longtime educational leader in Hancock County, she brings not only extensive professional experience, but also a profound understanding of the school’s role within the broader community.
Shelly has devoted more than twenty years to education, serving as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, principal, and most recently Curriculum Director for RSU 24. Her leadership experience reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, positive school culture, faculty support, and student-centered decision-making. During interviews and panel discussions with students and staff, committee members were consistently impressed by her authenticity, collaborative leadership style, and clear passion for education.
In both her written materials and interviews, Shelly emphasized the importance of relationships as the foundation of a thriving school community. She articulated a vision centered on supporting students, empowering faculty, strengthening communication, and fostering meaningful partnerships with families and sending communities. Her philosophy reflects a belief that schools are strongest when students are known, valued, challenged, and inspired to pursue their individual strengths and aspirations.
The Head Search Committee carefully considered feedback gathered from faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, and community members throughout the process. Shelly’s candidacy consistently resonated with stakeholders who value strong leadership, authentic community connection, and a clear commitment to preserving and strengthening the traditions and future of George Stevens Academy.
The committee was also particularly impressed by Shelly’s demonstrated ability to lead through both growth and challenge. Her experience improving school culture, supporting instructional excellence, implementing positive behavioral systems, and building stakeholder engagement speaks to her readiness to lead a complex and dynamic institution such as GSA.
We are grateful to the greater GSA community for entrusting us with this important responsibility and appreciative of the many community members who contributed their time and perspectives throughout the process. We are confident that Shelly Schildroth possesses the experience, vision, character, and leadership necessary to guide George Stevens Academy successfully into its next chapter.
We look forward to celebrating Shelly’s arrival at an event to be announced at a later date. You can view our press release here.
Questions about this announcement can be directed to board@georgestevens.org.
Warm regards,
GSA Board of Trustees
Deb Ludlow ‘79 P ‘10 ‘13 ‘15 , Sara Becton Ardrey , Lisa Arhontes-Marshall P‘26, Amy Baker P‘25, Alden Blodgett ‘78, Eden Cowart P‘26, Chris Gleason P‘29, Chris Gray ‘00, K. Guinness P‘21, Wilson King P‘25 ‘29, Amanda Roy ‘05 P‘28, Robyn Sealander P‘16 ‘18 ‘21
