Sage Ridge School Announces New Head of School, Mr. Bill Delbrugge, Beginning July 1, 2026

Sage Ridge School is pleased to announce that Mr. Bill Delbrugge has been selected as the next Head of School. Mr. Delbrugge was chosen for his global perspective and his deep commitment to academic excellence, character development, and student-centered learning. With more than 35 years of leadership experience in independent and international schools, Mr. Delbrugge is an ideal match for Sage Ridge’s nonprofit mission and vision to inspire passion and purpose through the joy of learning. He brings to Reno-Tahoe’s top independent school a record of expanding academic opportunities, elevating faculty excellence, and fostering communities where students thrive intellectually and personally.

“Bill is a visionary and values-driven leader whose experience aligns powerfully with Sage Ridge’s commitment to rigorous academics and belief in character-centered whole-child education,” says Eric Gangloff, President and Chair of the Sage Ridge Board of Trustees. “At the same time, we are deeply grateful for Dr. Ginger Hovenic’s extraordinary leadership. She has strengthened our school profoundly and positioned us well for this next chapter.” 

Under Dr. Ginger Hovenic’s leadership, Sage Ridge School has strengthened its faculty, completed a successful NWAIS re-accreditation, expanded programming—including the launch of 1st and 2nd grades, opened the E.L. Wiegand Student Activity Center, and advanced the school’s college preparatory, core and co-curricular programs. Dr. Hovenic will retire at the close of the 2025–26 school year, after four years of transformative service.

“Sage Ridge is a purpose-driven school where students are known, challenged, and supported to grow as scholars and as people,” said Delbrugge. “I am inspired by the dedication of the administration, faculty, staff, and families, the strength of the school’s mission, and the commitment to the pillars of Scholarship, Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Community. I am honored to join this remarkable community and excited for our work together.”

Mr. Delbrugge most recently served as Head of School at The Village School, a Pre-K–12 independent school in Houston, Texas. His distinguished career also includes serving as Head of the American International School in Egypt, Founding Head of Dunecrest American School in Dubai, and Superintendent of Schools in Flagler County, Florida. Across all roles, he has championed innovation in teaching and learning, strong faculty development, and environments defined by care, purpose, and high expectations.

Now in its 28th year, Sage Ridge School prepares grade 1–12 students to be curious, confident citizens with exceptional intellect and character. Academic excellence is the foundation of a Sage Ridge education:

• AP Platinum Award recipient and recognized on the College Board AP Honor Roll
• 17 AP courses and 11 Honors courses offered 
• 90% AP exam pass rate, with all AP students required to take the exam
• Student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, with seminar-style instruction and hands-on labs beginning in elementary grades
• World-class faculty, over 70% holding advanced degrees
• Signature programs include Outdoor Education, Sage Sessions, robust arts, athletics, robotics, debate, service learning, and leadership opportunities.

Sage Ridge graduates are prepared not only for college—but for life. Learn more about Mr. Delbrugge, who will start as Sage Ridge Head of School on July 1, 2026. 

About
Sage Ridge School, Reno-Tahoe’s top independent, college-preparatory school, prepares students in grades 1–12 to be curious and confident citizens with exceptional intellect and character. Academic Excellence is the foundation of a Sage Ridge education, and the school’s mission extends to prepare students for college and life. Sage Ridge School’s holistic curriculum, extra-curriculars, including 21 competitive sports teams, theatre, debate and more, and supportive and engaged Scorpion community, provides the challenge, care, and opportunities that act as a powerful catalyst for student success and achievement. Founded in 1998, Sage Ridge is Northern Nevada’s only nonsectarian, independent, college-preparatory day school.