Principia Completes Search Process for New Principal
Travis Brantingham has been named the new principal of Principia School, effective July 1, 2014. A graduate of the Upper School (’94) and College (’98), Brantingham also holds a master of arts in educational leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis.
In his most recent position as director of strategic projects for Principia, Brantingham has focused on expanding international options and exploring the role of online education at the School. He has also continued fundraising efforts with Principia’s Development team and worked closely alongside Dean of Students Lee Fletcher-McGookin on character unfoldment initiatives. Prior to this, he served as assistant dean of students from 2006–2008 and as athletic director from 2008–2013. Before coming to Principia, Brantingham was director of Camp Owatonna in Maine for five years.
In making the announcement on February 17, Principia Chief Executive Dr. Jonathan Palmer noted that the search for the new principal included widespread community participation and input. All constituencies involved consistently identified Brantingham’s leadership and vision as valuable and necessary assets for Principia School.
In remarks to the audience in Ridgway Auditorium after the announcement, Brantingham acknowledged his deep admiration for those who have headed Principia School in prior years and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under current Head of School Marilyn Wallace. He stressed the importance of deeply engaging with the key policies governing the institution and supporting their application in its day-to-day affairs. Mrs. Wallace also spoke briefly at the meeting, underscoring the spiritual underpinnings of Principia and the importance of supporting the School’s forward momentum.
Brantingham and his wife Hannah, who leads Principia’s Acorn infant/toddler program, have three children—Bowen, a third grader; Bretton, in second grade; and Bridgton, a kindergartner.