Maranatha High School Board of Trustees Announces New Head of School

Dr. Steven Sherman, Maranatha High School’s new head of school. – Courtesy Photo

The board of trustees of Maranatha High School is pleased to announce that Dr. Steven Sherman has accepted an offer to become the next head of school, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. Dr. Sherman has spent over 30 years as a high school administrator, teacher, and coach. The last several years, Dr. Sherman has served as the head of the upper school for Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano in roles of increasing responsibility over his tenure: math instructor, senior dean of students, and math department chair, as well as committee involvement of admissions, academic affairs, STEM Task Force co-leader, and as a member of the upper school leadership team.

Board Chair Mike Bollenbacher remarked, “We are thankful that God has called Steve to Maranatha, and we believe he is uniquely qualified to lead Maranatha at this time. He is a man of deep Biblical faith and a proven educational leader with exceptional experience, personal qualities, and a passion for high-quality evangelical Christian education.”

Upon the retirement of Dr. David Gyertson in the Spring of 2015, the board of trustees appointed the interim head of school, Dr. Richard Riesen, and began a national search for Maranatha’s next head of school. After an extensive search process, the board and advisory committee interviewed finalists in January and February, and the board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Sherman after the interviews were completed. Search Committee Chair Michele VanRiper shared, “We were incredibly blessed to have had Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff of JobfitMatters direct our search for a new head of school. Their passion, commitment and attention to detail were evident in every step of the process.”

Dr. Sherman received his master’s and educational doctorate degrees from Azusa Pacific University. His dissertation work focused on “the influence of perceived parental academic pressure and parental disengagement on the stress levels of affluent, high-achieving adolescents.” He received his bachelor’s in mathematics from California State University, Northridge. Steve is married to Karen, and they together enjoy five grown children. Of his appointment, Sherman commented, “I always strive, through my servant leadership style, to live a lifestyle pleasing and honoring to God and to be a school leader governed and shaped by the Bible. Jesus has given me a heart for adolescents; I enjoy their presence, energy, and curiosity. Each day, I continue to learn new things about life and myself through my interactions with high school students. I am excited to become a long-standing member of the Maranatha family.”

At the board’s request, Dr. Sherman will be on campus periodically to advise on current administrative matters, advance strategic planning discussions and meet with members of the Maranatha and local community. He will begin his duties June 15, 2016.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary last year, Maranatha High School was founded in 1965 to establish a college preparatory high school predicated upon biblical principles and an uncompromising commitment to Jesus Christ. With its foundations firmly rooted in evangelical Christianity, Maranatha encourages each student to develop an informed and personal faith in Jesus Christ. Students enjoy opportunities to participate in the fine arts, many athletic teams, as well as extensive AP courses. MHS graduates attend many high level colleges after graduation, including UCs, public institutions, and Christian colleges. For more information on Maranatha High School, visit www.maranathahighschool.org or call (626) 817-4074.

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