The 2000s
As the new century dawned, Mr. Sorensen began mapping out programmatic, facilities and organizational changes that would help students prepare for an increasingly global and connected society. He raised the budget for technology, made it possible for St. John’s students to interact with students in other countries through global learning, and elevated the priority of teacher salaries and financial aid. In 2001, he supported the establishment of the Crusader Club, an organization dedicated to involving dads in the life and support of the school.
In 2002, the Board of Trustees began an ambitious capital campaign to fund the replacement of the original wing of the school that had been built in the ’60s. In addition to larger classrooms for pre-k through fifth grade, the construction created a performance hall, media center, new library, computer room, academic support rooms, dedicated rooms for Lower School Spanish and science, and a commons area/kitchen for young students. Mr. Sorensen also challenged teachers to assume the role of students by encouraging professional development that focused on teaching for the 21st century.
In the midst of this growth, the church completed a 12-month search in 2006 and named The Reverend David S. Houk sixth rector of St. John's Episcopal Church and School. He and Mr. Sorensen worked together over the next three years as the Board of Trustees sought to strengthen its governance structure through committee-based work and intentional recruitment and education of trustees.
Before he resigned in 2009, Mr. Sorensen set in motion plans for the renovation of the Middle School science wing. The Board of Trustees charged his successor, interim head of school Judy Gass, with continuing the school's momentum. During her one-year tenure, Mrs. Gass oversaw a capital campaign launch, as well as the associated demolition of the old science classrooms and early construction of the Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation Science Wing and Hillcrest Foundation Rooftop Garden.
Another of Mrs. Gass' key contributions was her work with Fr. Houk on the five tenets of an Episcopal education, which they adapted from the tenets published by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools.