St. Anthony Grade School Announces New Principal

St. Anthony Grade School has announced the appointment of Matt Sturgeon as principal beginning August 1.

Sturgeon will replace current principal Brandi Borries who has been promoted to Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Springfield.

Sturgeon was chosen from a pool of seven candidates from throughout the region. Currently the principal for Franklin Park Middle School in Salem, Sturgeon brings 10 years of experience in education, with his most recent four years as principal. Sturgeon received his bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education from Milliken University in 2006; his masters of science in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 2009, and his specialist in education in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University in May 2012.

“We are fortunate to have had a great group of candidates, and one candidate clearly rose to the top,” states St. Anthony School Board President David Emmerich. “His excitement to do this and to come to St. Anthony Grade School is not only an asset to our school but to our community.”

A welcome reception is planned for Monday, August 15 with the SAGS Student Back to School Night to introduce Sturgeon to the St. Anthony school and parish families. Sturgeon will be formally introduced to the St. Anthony Board of Education during their next regular session on Wednesday, August 17.

“Having been in the area for the last ten years as an educator, coach and administrator, I know that St. Anthony Schools are steeped in tradition,” states Sturgeon. "My family and I are excited to join the Parish and School family knowing that we will quickly build new relationships.”

Sturgeon is originally from Freeburg, IL while his wife, Beth, is originally from Sigel. They reside in Effingham with their two children, Ella and Andy.

Borries has been promoted to Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Springfield after four years as principal for St Anthony Grade School. She has 14 years of experience in education with prior experience as the Special Education and Response to Intervention Coordinator with North Clay Illinois School District #25.

“Ms. Borries has been an outstanding leader for St. Anthony Grade School these past four years and will be greatly missed,” adds Fr. Chris Brey. “We are happy to still have her involvement with our school family in her new role as Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese. Mr. Sturgeon will take our school to a deeper level of faith and bring our school to the next level.”

To learn more about St. Anthony schools, visit www.stanthony.com.