We are thrilled to share that Ms. Sarah Budd has been named the next Head of School at The Oaks Academy, Fall Creek, beginning in January 2026. After more than a decade of faithful service as a fourth-grade teacher, Sarah will begin transitioning into this new role in Fall 2025. During the fall semester, she will participate in a thoughtful and intentional onboarding process alongside our current Head of School, Bruce Crawford, before his retirement on December 31st.
Sarah’s appointment follows a careful search that considered both internal and external candidates. From the beginning, her steady leadership, deep love for this community, and strong alignment with the mission of The Oaks made it clear she was the right person to lead our school into its next chapter.
As we prepare for this transition, we are filled with gratitude for Bruce’s faithful leadership and look forward to celebrating his retirement in January. We are equally excited to welcome Sarah into this new role, and we invite you to get to know her more through this Q&A, where she shares her heart for The Oaks, her hopes for the future, and what excites her most about the journey ahead.
Sarah often describes The Oaks as a refuge: a place where Christ is at the center, where students are known and loved, and where authentic growth takes place in both head and heart. Her deep commitment to supporting the development of each child holistically, her steady leadership, and her passion for partnering with families are already a gift to our community—and we look forward to all that lies ahead as she steps into this new chapter.
As we finish the school year, Sarah will continue teaching her fourth-grade class while also connecting with faculty, staff, and families as part of her transition. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to meet her at upcoming events, stop by to say hello, or reach out with words of encouragement.
Please join us in praying for Sarah as she prepares to step fully into the role of Head of School in January. We are confident her leadership will be marked by the same care, humility, and faithfulness she has brought to our school for more than a decade.
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Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Since opening our doors in 1998, The Oaks Academy has cultivated a strong sense of community, belonging, and family. This summer, we welcome back alumni as staff who gave back to the place that helped shape them.
Change is always challenging, especially when it may effect your children. Please share any questions or comments you have using the form below, or by emailing me directly at ahart@theoaksacademy.org.
I’ll respond to your inquiry directly and as quickly as I can.