John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor announced that a new head of school will take over on July 1.
Sally Maxwell has more than three decades of experience in education, beginning in public education in 1994 and later moving into independent school leadership. She has held senior roles focused on teaching and learning, faculty development and academic program design at prep schools.
The announcement was made by Daniel LaMontagne, chair of the John Bapst board of trustees. A 2002 graduate, James Strout, led the search committee. Jay Brennan has served as interim head of school.
David Armistead served as head of school from 2021 to 2024.
“Dr. Maxwell stood out for her ability to balance vision with execution, and confidence with humility,” said LaMontagne. “She understands both the complexity and the privilege of leading a school like John Bapst, and the board is confident she is exceptionally well prepared to guide the school into its next chapter.”
John Bapst is an independent private school founded in 1928. It has roughly 500 students. John Bapst was a Swiss missionary priest who was sent to Old Town in the 19th century, though the current Bangor school has no religious affiliation. The school touts its track record of helping students prepare for Ivy League schools and other top colleges. It is known for a range of academic and athletic programs.
About Maxwell
Maxwell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tulane University; a master’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University; and a doctorate in teaching, learning, and curriculum from the University of Pennsylvania.
Maxwell will be moving from St. Louis, Mo., to Bangor with her family.
“John Bapst is a gem of a school in a gem of a city. It’s the best of all worlds — rigorous and kind, locally rooted and internationally inclusive, and independently run and publicly accessible,” Maxwell said in the news release. “I am honored to join the John Bapst community and collaborate with the board, faculty, staff, students and families as we honor the school’s strengths and advance its mission into its second century.”
