Succession FAQs

Russ Gregg initiated conversations with the Hope Academy Board about succession in 2019. The Board established a Transition Team that year to develop a Succession Plan. This team then worked alongside a trusted firm specializing in faith-based leadership transitions.

Russ Gregg prayerfully believes this is the time to transition Kelvin Simms to Head of School. With a strong Leadership Team at the helm and a well-developed succession plan in place, Hope Academy is poised to continue growing and embracing new opportunities to impact the youth of the city. We believe the future of Hope Academy is strong because Kelvin holds a vision for both continuity and ingenuity in this next chapter.  

An “overlap” model of succession was chosen because this approach gives the greatest sense of stability for our students, families, and faculty, while also allowing the incoming leader the time to gain experience, relational capital, and understanding of the school’s annual rhythms in partnership with Russ Gregg. A key element of this plan is the time for the strategic development of Kelvin Simms as he and Russ work side-by-side during the 2025-26 school year.

After creating a Candidate Profile, Kelvin Simms was identified as a prospective candidate in 2021. Kelvin then underwent an interview and assessment process with NL Moore & Associates and the Succession Team. Recommendations were made for intentional development prior to his transition to the Head of School role.

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Kelvin then embarked on a multi-year development plan. Together, Kelvin and Russ pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Gordon College. This gave them a concrete avenue to grow in relationship with each other and in knowledge of educational leadership, all while exploring its practical application at Hope Academy. They graduated in July 2024. Kelvin also became a part of Hope’s Leadership Team in 2023.

While Kelvin’s academic degrees, years of teaching, and growing leadership are all hallmarks of an excellent candidate, the Board prayerfully sought a successor who was not just a sum of competencies. In Kelvin they see a strategic leader with a pastor’s heart. Even more so, they perceive God’s calling on Kelvin’s life for this role. Kelvin has already developed meaningful relationships with staff and families, and he holds a vision for developing scholars who are Kingdom citizens, impacting their community, city, and world because of the foundation that was established in them at Hope Academy.

Russ Gregg and Kelvin Simms will work together for the next 16 months. Russ will remain acting Head of School and Kelvin will officially become Head of School Designate for the 2025-26 school year. Russ will step down as Head of School in June 2026.

Russ will transition his efforts to Spreading Hope, an organization that equips emerging leaders of Hope Academy-type schools around the country. He will no longer have an official staff role at Hope Academy but will serve a short-term role on the Board of Directors.

Andrew Pearce will become the middle school principal after Kelvin vacates the position on July 31, 2025. Andrew has been a Hope Academy teacher for five years and currently serves as Principal-in-Residence.

No. Hope Academy’s mission remains steadfast: to foster hope in God within the inner-city of Minneapolis by providing a remarkable, God-centered education.  

Yes! We will be planning a celebration to honor Russ in 2026. Stay tuned!

Our Partners will have the chance to hear from Kelvin at our upcoming Spring Partner Day in May 2025. He will continue to have a prominent position in school events and communications throughout the 2025-26 school year. 

The most meaningful way you can support Hope Academy is through your prayers for Kelvin Simms and for God’s leading in this next chapter. For our Partners, your continued financial support will ensure that the mission of Hope Academy endures and grows through this transition season.  

Hope Academy staff can reach out to John Villas  

Families are welcome to contact Nathan Ziegler, Chief Academic Officer

Donors and Partners can direct questions to Jim Stigman