After a nationwide search, the Board of Directors at Johnstown Christian School has named Mrs. Celeste Sprankle as the the new Administrator beginning July 1, 2017.
Celeste Sprankle, who is a JCS alumna, has more than 27 years experience in education including Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the school since 2013. Additionally, Sprankle has served as Athletic Director since 2014 and 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher since 2000 and was Preschool Teacher in 1999. She previously worked at Bethany UM Preschool and Chestnut Ridge Elementary School.
The approval of Sprankle’s hiring by the school Board of Directors follows a 18-month search to fill the position after Dr. Kathy Keafer announced in May 2015 that she would retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year. “Celeste is uniquely positioned to take the school to a new level of community engagement and continued academic excellence,” says Keafer. “Her enthusiasm for Christian Education is salient and will draw others to the ministry.”
The Board conducted a national search for the Administrator through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Sprankle was chosen out of a field of 11 candidates. Board president, John Huston said, “It was a blessing to have so many qualified candidates pursuing the opportunity here. We are very excited about the future of the school and working with Celeste as JCS continues to excel, providing an outstanding education in a Christian environment.”
Sprankle is a graduate of ACSI Leadership U, a 2-year graduate program, leading to a Master’s Degree from Cairn University in Philadelphia. In addition, Leadership U resulted in an ACSI endorsement as Head of School.
“I am excited about what the future holds for Johnstown Christian School and feel blessed to be a part of it,” says Sprankle. “It is an unique time to be at JCS as we build upon our rich history and transition into the next chapter of our growth. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the students, parents, and staff of JCS.”