FPDS Board of Trustees Names Mr. Jonathan Lancaster as Next Head of School

The FPDS Search Committee and Board of Trustees are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Jonathan Lancaster as the next Head of School at First Presbyterian Day School.

With guidance from the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), our search committee met with exceptional candidates from across the country. Feedback from our faculty, parents, and alumni—through surveys, Coffee & Conversations, and focus groups—played a vital role in shaping this process.

Throughout the search, the Search Committee sought a leader who values Christian education and is committed to academic excellence. After multiple rounds of interviews, our school is confident that Mr. Lancaster is the right person to come alongside our talented faculty and staff in preparing students for future service in God’s Kingdom.

A Jackson native, Mr. Lancaster currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at We Will Go Ministries, a Christ-centered organization dear to our FPDS community. He has led the ministry through a season of significant growth and brings deep experience in both financial leadership and gospel-driven service.

What stood out to the Search Committee was not only his professional background, but his character. Mr. Lancaster brings humility, warmth, and a collaborative leadership style rooted in Scripture. He has served as a deacon and small group leader at Redeemer Church, and he has a clear heart for discipleship and team-building.

“Mr. Lancaster’s natural leadership is steady, genuine, and draws you in,” said Hu Meena, Interim Head of School. “He brings people together and will help move FPDS forward with clarity and purpose.”

David Felker, Executive Minister at First Presbyterian Church, added: “I'm grateful for Jonathan's ministry leadership experience and the enthusiasm he will bring to our school. I'm excited to see how his gift of leadership, along with his energy and vision for ministry will enhance the school's ability to fulfill the mission of planting seeds of Christlikeness and pursuing excellence in education. Students, parents, faculty, and staff of FPDS will benefit from his example as a leader with strength of character and integrity, as well as humility. I look forward to working with him in the coming years!”

Mr. Lancaster is married to Mrs. Frances (Carter) Lancaster, a Day School alumna. They have one son, Charlie, currently in our K2 program, and are expecting their second child this summer.

We are grateful for the Lord’s provision and look forward to this new season at FPDS under Mr. Lancaster’s leadership.