Dear Gaston Christian staff, faculty, parents, and friends,

Serving as Head of School at Gaston Christian for the past 15 years has been my honor and pleasure. The purpose of this letter is to share that I will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. That will allow our team to provide a seamless transition for future leadership.

Several years ago, as I prayed about my upcoming retirement, I began discussing these plans with board members and administrators. At that time I began spending more time assessing our administrative team and the possibility of hiring within instead of conducting a national search. As this process continued, it was very clear to me and became clear to others as well that our next Head of School was already serving at Gaston Christian. 

Let me share a little background. Approximately 10 years ago, while on the golf course with Dr. Jon Huitt, I encouraged him to pursue his Master’s degree. Jon asked why. I told him that I felt confident that he could one day be a principal. He was taken aback. Jon was happy teaching middle school science classes and coaching middle school soccer. After talking and praying about this with his wife Marie, Jon began his Master’s degree.  Upon completion of that degree, he enrolled in a very demanding and rigorous doctoral program at Columbia International University. Dr. Huitt has developed into an outstanding leader at Gaston Christian. His interpersonal skills are off the chart. The two advanced degrees have greatly increased his capacity to think and plan strategically.  

Over the past summer Board Chairman Steven Denton and past chair Jesse Bachman met with Dr. Huitt to discuss this opportunity and offer Jon the position. Jon agreed to discuss it with Marie and pray about it. It is with great pleasure that I share with you that at the end of the 2025-26 school year, Dr. Jon Huitt will become the next Head of School for Gaston Christian School. 

Some may ask, “Why didn’t we conduct a national search?” and that is a good question. There are definitely many very competent, qualified, and capable individuals who could lead Gaston Christian. However, having someone who knows and embraces the culture is very valuable within a school community. Dr. Huitt has served faithfully over the past 20 years. He has consistently met challenges and performed in a stellar manner.

Over the next year and a half, I will be including Dr. Huitt in more executive responsibilities. Currently, Dr. Huitt is attending all finance committee and board meetings. He leads our administrative meetings and is closely involved with each department of the school.

One of my favorite verses about the transition of leadership is found in II Timothy 2:2 which says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”  That verse summarizes my desire for Jon and his leadership at Gaston Christian moving forward. Furthermore, to provide a smooth handoff, the board has agreed to have me available to discuss issues with Jon during his first full year as Head of School.  

I am extremely excited about the future of Gaston Christian under the leadership of Dr. Huitt. Please keep him (and me) in your prayers as we continue to plan and prepare to embark on this new adventure.

For His glory,

Dr. Marc Stout,
Head of School

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Please see the attached letter from Steven Denton, GCS Board Chair