FRYEBURG — Erin P. Mayo, Fryeburg Academy’s new Head of School, has arrived.

She is the first woman to head the 222-year-old school. Mayo, her husband, daughter and son, moved to Fessenden House in mid-June. On July 1, she walked across the street for her first day on the job.

Mayo was born and raised in St. Johnsbury, Vt. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, class of 1987, where her father, Bernier L. Mayo, was headmaster from 1981-2001. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown University in 1991 and returned to St. Johnsbury Academy to serve in the Admissions Office and, later, to teach English.

Mayo earned her master’s degree in English language and literature from Middlebury College. In 2001, she became the chairwoman of SJA’s English Department and in 2004, its assistant headmaster for academics.

Mayo met her husband Peter Gurnis, a fellow English teacher, at SJA as well.

In 2007, she accepted a position as the head of the Upper School at the Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas. In 2012, she was named ESD’s assistant head of school for academics. In November 2012, it was announced that she would become the new head of school at Fryeburg Academy, replacing Dan Lee, headmaster from 1993-2013.

For now, Mayo is spending her days getting to know the people and understanding the school’s long history and current procedures.

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