Dr. Laurie Bottiger
GIFT & REGENBACK — Dr. Laurie Bottiger, an experienced educator, has been selected as the new Head of School at the Gifft Hill School and will take the helm on October 13, the school’s Board of Trustees announced on October 8.
Dr. Bottiger has more than two decades of experience in education, including service as founding head of school at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and as head of The Country School in Madison, Connecticut.
Bottiger stood out as a candidate because of her love for children, her immersion in educational theory that can support students’ healthy development, her commitment to making education meaningful in diverse communities, and her track record of bringing in the resources necessary to provide challenge and nurture within a meaningful curriculum and a strong community, according to the selection announcement.
“Vision, Enthusiasm and Commitment”
“Dr. Bottiger will bring vision, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role of Head of School,” said Miles Stair, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Bottiger has a deep background in education and administration that meshes beautifully with Gifft Hill School’s vision of academic excellence and community access to our offerings.”
“As a teacher, administrator and founding head of an academy, Dr. Bottiger has always excelled, and we look forward to the many additions she will bring to Gifft Hill School and the St. John community,” Stair said.
Dr. Bottiger expressed enthusiasm about her new appointment.
“I am honored to be selected to lead Gifft Hill School,” Dr. Bottiger said. “I already feel connected to the Gifft Hill family and look forward to serving the school and community with all my effort and energy.”
Bottiger received her B.A. in elementary education from Edinboro University, her M.A. in early childhood education from Northwest Missouri State University, and her Ph.D. in teaching and curriculum from the University of Kansas. She also has earned an educational specialist certificate in education administration from Central Missouri State and a certificate in non-profit leadership and management from Boston University.
Before becoming head of school at Esperanza, Bottiger served as middle school head at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School in Kansas City, Missouri, and she worked as a middle school teacher, upper school coach, and administrative intern at Pembroke Hill School, also in Kansas City. She has also taught in Florida and in Atsugi, Japan. Bottiger is the mother of two children.
Gifft Hill School has benefited from the able interim leadership of Beth Knight, who has brought her consistent love of children and care for the whole community to that role. Miss Beth will assist Dr. Laurie in her transition and resume her role as Lower Campus Principal.
Gifft Hill School is the only preschool through high school program on St. John, currently serving more than 160 students.
For more information, call Gifft Hill School at 340-776-1730 or email info@giffthillschool.org.
