School Leadership

List of 11 members.

• 

  Mr. Jeffrey "Jeff" Plunk 

  Head of School

  Bio

  Jeff has a distinguished career teaching and leading in some of the finest independent schools in Georgia. After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Mathematics, Jeff worked at Woodward Academy, The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, and Wesleyan School. Following Wesleyan, Jeff assumed the Headship of Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he successfully led the school for three years. Jeff has been married for 29 years to Jennifer, who was also his college sweetheart. They have two children that are both currently in college.
• 

  Mr. Jamie Bopp 

  Principal

  Bio

  Originally from Fort Wayne, IN, Mr. Bopp is a 2003 graduate of Wabash College, where he was a two-time captain of the Wabash College Football Team. Mr. Bopp has served in various roles (teacher, coach, and principal) at Merritt Island Christian School since 2005. Earning his master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education in 2013, Mr. Bopp shared that “being a principal has been so rewarding. The opportunity to lead others has been inspiring.” He was honored to be named the 2017 Brevard County Breakfast of Champions Administrator of the Year.

• Connie Chambers 

  Bio

  Mrs. Connie Chambers began her career at SCPS in 2006, teaching first grade.  She graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 2010 with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. As her teaching career flourished in the Lower School, Mrs. Chambers developed an interest in curriculum development, integration, and alignment.  Her love for learning, willingness to think outside the box and ability to embrace change led her to her current position, Director of Teaching and Learning. Mrs. Chambers is dedicated to supporting teachers’ professional growth, providing SCPS students with a 21st century curriculum rooted in Christian worldview, and transforming SCPS into a school of the future.

• Mrs. Debbie Fairbanks 

  Senior Director of Advancement

  Bio

  Mrs. Debbie Thomas Fairbanks graduated from SCPS in 1981. After graduating from the University of Georgia in Fashion Merchandising, she returned to college at Armstrong University to receive her teaching certificate in Middle Grades. Mrs. Fairbanks began her career at SCPS in 1994 as a middle school teacher and cheer coach. She was the Director of Admissions from 2003 until 2020. Mrs. Fairbanks serves the school as Senior Director of Advancement. She has been involved with SCPS for the past 48 years as a student, an employee, a parent, and now a grandparent at SCPS.
• 

  Mrs. Megan Jurick 

  Bio

  Megan grew up in Savannah and attended Savannah Christian Prep for High School, from which she graduated in 2005. From there, she attended Georgia Southern University and earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting (2009) and Master of Accounting (2011). After graduate school, she worked for a regional public accounting firm with a focus in financial statement audits. In 2017, she came home to SCPS and joined the administrative team.

• Mr. Greg Phillips 

  Athletic Director

  Bio

  Mr. Phillips earned his undergraduate degree from Shorter College. He also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Gordon College. Greg began his career as a teacher and coach, working his way up to athletics administration. For the past ten years, he has been an assistant athletic director at independent schools such as Mount Paran Christian School (Kennesaw, GA) and Christian Heritage School (Dalton, GA).
• 

  Mr. Chad Simmons 

  Director of Fine Arts

  Bio

  Mr. Simmons received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. He then earned his Master of Arts in Theater from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.  A member of the Wesleyan School faculty since 2010, Mr. Simmons has served as a classroom teacher, Technical Director, and Chapel Coordinator.  Prior to this role, Mr. Simmons was an actor and director with Missoula Children’s Theater, and he also served as director of theater and choral programs at Friendship Christian School.
• 

  Dr. Grace Simmons 

  Principal

  Bio

  Dr. Simmons has been an educator for over 20 years.  She graduated from Texas Christian University and earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Mississippi.  She has been a teacher, principal, and University Supervisor.  Dr. Simmons has also been involved in several volunteer organizations where she has served as an Advisor and Training Director.  Her doctoral dissertation topic focused on character education.  Simmons is an author and has published two children’s books.  She loves the field of education and is so thrilled and honored to be a part of the Savannah Christian family!
• 

  Mrs. Beth Straight 

  Principal

  Bio

  Mrs. Straight is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University (1993), an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Florida State University (1996), and an M.Ed in Counseling Education from Georgia Southern University (2005). Since she began working at SCPS in 2005, Mrs. Straight has held multiple positions, including School Counselor, Dean of Academics, and Girls’ Golf Coach.
• 

  Dr. Leighton "Leighton" Upton 

  Director of Campus Life

  Bio

  Leighton Upton was born and raised in Wilmington, NC. He received a B.A. in Religion from Bob Jones University and an M.A in Christian Education and Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most recently, he earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Upton has a passion for developing the next generation to become leaders in their spheres of influence and become dedicated followers of Christ. Leighton is married to Janelle and together they have a two children, Calvin and Hazel.

• Ms. Sarah Wright 

  Bio

  Sarah Wright was raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Bible and Teacher Education from Columbia International University. She joined Savannah Christian Preparatory School in 2015 and has served in various roles, demonstrating her dedication to the school's mission. With a passion for Christian education and administrative excellence, she now serves as the Executive Assistant to the Head of School, supporting the leadership team and the SCPS community with commitment and care.