Jay Watts, who has been headmaster at Pillow Academy since 2013, will be leaving the school at the end of June.
Watts became interim headmaster in May 2012 and then was officially appointed by the school’s board of directors in 2013.
Watts confirmed this morning that he will be leaving but declined to discuss his reasons at this time.
Pillow Academy, a private institution of around 800 students, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Watts is the ninth headmaster at the school.
He served as middle school and high school principal there for six years before taking the headmaster position.
Prior to Pillow, Watts spent 10 years at Kirk Academy in Grenada as principal and worked in various positions as teacher and coach at North Sunflower Academy, Starkville Academy and Indianola Academy.
Watts has also served in a number of positions for the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) including the MAIS Educational Association, the MAIS Coaches’ Association, and the Athletics and Activities Commission of MAIS.
While at Pillow, Watts oversaw the expansion and remodeling of the elementary school building and improvements at Hardeman Hall.
This academic year, the focus has been the expansion of the school’s computer networking capabilities, computer labs and online learning for students.
No Pillow board members could be reached for comment on what’s next for Pillow or the nature of Watts’ departure.
• Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
