Greater Houlton Christian Academy names Bishop new head of schools

John Bishop, a career educator and experienced school administrator has been named as successor to retiring Greater Houlton Christian Academy Head of School, Mark Jago.
Bishop returns to Maine with his wife and daughter, after having spent the past 11 years as headmaster at Schenectady Christian School in Scotia, N.Y.  The Bishops’ two sons continue their college careers at their respective schools.
    Bishop’s wife is originally from Maine and they lived in Maine prior to 1998, while he served as Principal of Temple Academy in Waterville from 1990-97.
Bishop’s strong ties with Maine, his demonstrated commitment to Christian education, understanding of the importance of close community relations and proven leadership in curriculum development and capital campaign development are each factors which led the GHCA Board of Directors to this decision.
Bishop arrives at GHCA during an exciting time, partly due to the pending dual Accreditation Process, through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C), scheduled for completion in this upcoming academic year.  Collaborative by nature, Bishop will utilize his strengths and experience, working closely with GHCA staff to maintain accreditation status, while leading in progressive curriculum development, improving current extracurricular programs and promoting enhanced public awareness and support of GHCA’s mission.
Bishop is a member of Rotary in Scotia, N.Y. and has chaired or moderated various regional Christian School accreditation and leadership committees. In his past tenure, featured articles have highlighted successes and innovations reflective of his leadership at Schenectady Christian School.
Bishop will be introduced to the Academy at the Thursday, Sept. 3 Open House and Orientation Meetings and he will stay in Houlton for the first day of school on Sept. 8. See the school’s Web site www.ghca.com for a complete orientation meeting schedule.
According to board member Peter Holmes, the date on which Bishop will assume his full-time duties has not been determined due to the logistics of relocation and housing.
GHCA offers a comprehensive course of study from pre-K to grade 12, with band, drama and fine arts, and participates in a number of MPA-sponsored sports programs. For more information, visit the school Web site at www.ghca.com, or call the office at 532-0736 for enrollment and program information.