TYLER, Texas (KETK) – The Head of School at The Brook Hill School is moving on to California after 19 years in the Piney Woods.

“In 2004, when Brook Hill took a leap of faith by hiring me, I too embarked on a leap of faith by relocating my young family to East Texas,” Head of School Rod Fletcher said. “Since then, my family and I have become deeply rooted in the Brook Hill community, proudly declaring ourselves ‘all orange!’ We have grown alongside Brook Hill, raising our own boys in partnership with this remarkable institution – a decision we will forever cherish.”

Fletcher said that, as Brook Hill celebrates its 25th anniversary, he is proud of the school it has become.

“Brook Hill is thriving and independent,” Fletcher said. “The seven-year-old school we came to, and have joyfully served over the last 19 years, has become what we dreamed and prayed for it to be. Like our children, we have been thankful to be a part of giving Brook Hill wings, and it is poised to fly! The Brook Hill School has given me countless memories, experiences, and friendships that I will cherish forever. I am grateful for your support, encouragement, and investment over the years, and I am proud of the achievements that we have made together.”

Fletcher believes the future is bright for Brook Hill, and thanked the Brook Hill community for their support, encouragement and friendship.

“As I prepare to embark on this new adventure, and as I gratefully reflect on my time at Brook Hill, I am reminded of our theme this year,” Fletcher said. “First and foremost, ‘Look what God has done!’ And secondly, I know we can confidently ‘expect God’ as we trust Him for the future.”

His resignation, effective July 30, will allow Fletcher to become Executive Director at Campus By The Sea on Catalina Island, California.

“Many of you are familiar with my family’s 70-year history at Campus By The Sea and my profound love for this camp,” Fletcher said in a letter to the Brook Hill community. “Throughout the years, it has been a privilege to take numerous Brook Hill students to this camp, and I hope to continue nurturing this relationship in the future.”

In a letter from Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Stephen Dement, he said the board accepts and supports Fletcher’s decision to resign. Dement said there will be an opportunity this summer to express thanks to Rod and Heather Fletcher for their service and wish them well in future endeavors.

“Rod’s 19 years of service is remarkable, both in duration and achievements,” Dement said. “Under his extraordinary leadership, our school has become one where students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni have come together as a strong and extended community. We have seen Brook Hill flourish with an enrollment growing to over 800, program enrichment, expansion of facilities, financial stability, and the school gaining international visibility.”

Dement said the search process for a new Head of School will begin immediately. He said the board decided not to hire an Interim Head of School, and instead asked Dement to step up as Acting Head during the transition period. Dement said Fletcher agreed to be available for advice and counsel as needed.

See below for their full letters:

Dear Brook Hill Community,

It is with a mix of emotions that I write this letter to inform you of my resignation as the Head of School at The Brook Hill School after having served in this role for 19 years. I have accepted a new position as the Executive Director of Campus By The Sea on Catalina Island in California.

In 2004, when Brook Hill took a leap of faith by hiring me, I too embarked on a leap of faith by relocating my young family to East Texas. Since then, my family and I have become deeply rooted in the Brook Hill community, proudly declaring ourselves “all orange!” We have grown alongside Brook Hill, raising our own boys in partnership with this remarkable institution – a decision we will forever cherish.

Many of you are familiar with my family’s 70-year history at Campus By The Sea and my profound love for this camp. Throughout the years, it has been a privilege to take numerous Brook Hill students to this camp, and I hope to continue nurturing this relationship in the future. Our family has long dreamed of being more directly involved at Campus By The Sea, and we feel a genuine calling from the Lord to accept this position. Steve Dement has often referred to Brook Hill as a symphony with God as its Conductor, and Heather and I are sensing His calling to play another part in the symphony God is composing at Campus By The Sea.

I have been truly blessed to fulfill the role God entrusted to me at Brook Hill. As Brook Hill celebrates its 25th anniversary, Heather and I see so many similarities between Brook Hill and our own sons, and we couldn’t be more proud of the school it has become. Brook Hill is thriving and independent. The seven-year-old school we came to, and have joyfully served over the last 19 years, has become what we dreamed and prayed for it to be. Like our children, we have been thankful to be a part of giving Brook Hill wings, and it is poised to fly! The Brook Hill School has given me countless memories, experiences, and friendships that I will cherish forever. I am grateful for your support, encouragement, and investment over the years, and I am proud of the achievements that we have made together.

Brook Hill is thriving, and its future is incredibly bright. I am excited to see who God will lead to serve as the next Head of School. I want to thank each of you for your support, encouragement, and friendship throughout my time at Brook Hill. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated group of educators, staff, students, and parents.

As I prepare to embark on this new adventure, and as I gratefully reflect on my time at Brook Hill, I am reminded of our theme this year. First and foremost, “Look what God has done!” And secondly, I know we can confidently “expect God” as we trust Him for the future.

Blessings,

Rod Fletcher
Head of School
The Brook Hill School

Dear Brook Hill Community,

It is with deep appreciation for Rod Fletcher and his many accomplishments at The Brook Hill School that the Board of Trustees accepts and supports his decision to resign as Head of School effective July 30, 2023 to become Executive Director at Campus By The Sea on Catalina Island, CA.

Rod’s 19 years of service is remarkable, both in duration and achievements. Under his extraordinary leadership, our school has become one where students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni have come together as a strong and extended community. We have seen Brook Hill flourish with an enrollment growing to over 800, program enrichment, expansion of facilities, financial stability, and the school gaining international visibility. Although we are sad to say goodbye, Brook Hill has never been better prepared for a transition of leadership. There will be an opportunity later this summer to express our thanks to both Rod and Heather for their service here and to wish them well as they go to a new area of ministry.

Recognizing there is no greater responsibility for the Board of Trustees than the hiring of a Head of School, the search process will begin immediately. Your Board will serve as the search committee with the assistance of a national recruitment firm and, to the greatest extent possible, the process will be inclusive and transparent. Input will be sought from students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Given the strength and reputation of Brook Hill, we have great confidence that there will be enormous interest in the Head of School opportunity and that we will attract an outstanding individual to take our school to even greater heights.

We have an exceptional leadership team in place with Matthew Beasley, Wally Dawkins, Laurie Humphries, Jon Lasse, Meri Mullicane, Shawn Rhoads, and Michelle Rozell. Because of our confidence in their leadership, the Board has decided not to pursue hiring an Interim Head of School. Instead, the Board has asked that I step up as Acting Head during this transition period, relying primarily on the proven leadership of our team that is currently in place. Rod has graciously agreed to be available during this next year for advice and counsel as needed. I am honored to take on this role, in addition to my other responsibilities on campus, and will work tirelessly to ensure that our students continue to receive the Christ-centered, college preparatory education they deserve.

The coming year promises to be one of continued growth and excitement with the completion of construction projects on campus, including the transformational Soules Fine Arts Center, expanded academic and athletic opportunities, and ongoing spiritual growth and ministry! I appreciate your continued trust in Brook Hill and look forward to serving you during this transitional period.

Sincerely,
Stephen Dement
Founder & Chairman of the Board of Trustees
The Brook Hill School