Welcome Dr. Gates!
We are thrilled to share with you some exciting news regarding the leadership of Grace Lutheran School. After a comprehensive and prayerful search process, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Taylor-Imani Gates as the new principal of Grace Lutheran School.
Dr. Gates is a seasoned educator and administrator with extensive experience in leadership roles at both K-12 and post-secondary levels. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned her M.A. and B.A. in related fields. Dr. Gates has served as a principal at Calvary Academy and Judah Christian School, where she managed faculty, oversaw curriculum development, and implemented diversity and cultural competency initiatives. Most recently, she has been working as a Post-Secondary Success Manager, where she developed and managed mentoring and professional development programs. Dr. Gates is committed to fostering academic excellence, supporting student growth, and building strong community relationships.
As you know, this journey began in July when we partnered with HYA to conduct an extensive search. Through focus groups, surveys, and interviews with key stakeholders, we developed a leadership profile that guided our search for the ideal candidate. The involvement and feedback from the Grace community were invaluable in ensuring that we found a leader who aligns with our mission and values.
We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Principal Search Committee and the Elementary Education Committee (EEC) throughout this process. Their diligence has been instrumental in finding a principal who will not only lead with integrity and vision but will also serve our community with a servant’s heart.
We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Interim Principal Mike Carioscio and Assistant Principal Kristi Underhill for their exceptional leadership during this transition. Their steady hands and expertise have been a tremendous blessing to our school. We are thankful for their ongoing support and the continuity they have provided to our students, staff, and families during this time.
The start of the school year is just around the corner, and we are excited to embark on this new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Gates. We ask for your continued prayers and support as she begins her journey with us.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Taylor-Imani Gates to the Grace Lutheran School family. We are confident that, together, we will continue to nurture and guide our students in a community grounded in faith, knowledge, and character.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at eec@gracerf.org.
From Dr. Gates:
“I am delighted to join the Grace Lutheran Church & School family! It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as Grace Lutheran’s Principal for the 2024-2025 School Year. Please know it is my sincerest desire to lead with God first and with integrity — striving to be the best we can be, in all areas. Teachers & Staff, I look forward to serving alongside you as we chart and walk out our journey this year. Students, I look forward to meeting and seeing each and every one of you in the coming days/weeks. Grace community, I am excited to see what God has in store for us. Please join me in believing for God’s very best this year!”
Yours in Christ,
Joanna Schubkegel
On behalf of the Elementary Education Committee
