Sage Ridge names Bill Delbrugge as new head of school

Sage Ridge School has appointed veteran educator Bill Delbrugge as its next Head of School, bringing more than 35 years of experience in independent, international and public education. The Reno school says the hire will support enrollment growth, campus expansion and continued academic strength while preserving its close-knit culture.

Why it matters: - Sage Ridge School is betting on a leader with deep experience to guide its next phase of growth. - Bill Delbrugge has led schools and education systems across the U.S. and abroad. - The appointment comes as Sage Ridge expands enrollment, facilities and academic offerings in northern Nevada.

What happened: - Sage Ridge School named Bill Delbrugge its next Head of School. - The appointment was announced Aug. 4, 2026, in Reno, Nevada. - Delbrugge brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across independent schools, international education and public education. - Greg Hayes, president and chair of the Sage Ridge School Board of Trustees, said Delbrugge stood out for his leadership, vision and commitment to students. - Delbrugge said he is honored to join Sage Ridge and looks forward to working with the school community.

The details: - Delbrugge most recently served as Head of School at The Village School in Houston. - Enrollment at The Village School grew about 25% during his five-year tenure to more than 2,000 day and boarding students. - He introduced Pre-Medical and Computer Science Diploma tracks at the school. - He oversaw renovations to the Lower School and an expansion of the High School with STEAM facilities. - The Village School became home to the largest International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Nord Anglia Education network during his tenure. - Student-athletes at The Village School won six state championships while Delbrugge was head of school. - The Class of 2026 earned more than $72 million in scholarships. - Before Houston, Delbrugge was founding headmaster of Dunecrest American School in Dubai. - He also served as headmaster of The American International School in Egypt. - Delbrugge served as superintendent of Flagler County Public Schools in Florida. - He also held leadership roles with the Georgia Department of Education. - In Egypt, he grew enrollment from about 1,100 to more than 3,500 students across two campuses. - Students at The American International School in Egypt posted a 100% International Baccalaureate Diploma pass rate for four straight years under his leadership. - Sage Ridge was founded in 1998 and serves students in grades 1 through 12. - The school offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses, small class sizes, individualized instruction, competitive athletics, arts programs and outdoor education experiences. - Sage Ridge says it is northern Nevada's premier independent college preparatory school and the state's only independent college preparatory school serving grades 1 through 12.

Between the lines: - The hire signals Sage Ridge wants to pair growth with a leader who has managed enrollment expansion and campus development before. - Delbrugge's background in international programs and college-prep schools suggests a focus on academic breadth and measurable outcomes. - The school is also emphasizing continuity, not a reset, by highlighting its close community and personalized education model.

What's next: - Delbrugge will lead Sage Ridge through continued lower school expansion, campus improvements and enrollment growth. - Sage Ridge plans to keep investing in its facilities and academic program while preserving its student-centered culture. - Delbrugge said he wants to help students lead with confidence, curiosity and character.

The bottom line: - Sage Ridge is bringing in a seasoned operator to steer growth without losing the small-school experience that defines the campus.