After more than 30 years working at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Lower School as a teacher and administrator, Jean Jones-Downey is retiring at the end of this academic year.

Bob Rutledge, St. Andrew’s interim head of school, has announced that fourth grade teacher Leanna Owens will replace Jones-Downey as the head of lower school effective June 1.

“Over the years Leanna Owens has proven herself as a well-informed and visionary teacher,” says Bob Rutledge.

“I am confident that Leanna will lead this division in a manner consistent with our philosophy and mission which Jean has embraced during her 30 years at St. Andrew’s.”

Owens came to St. Andrew’s in 2003 after serving as the regional reading coordinator for the Barksdale Reading Institute.

She holds a master’s of education as well as a bachelor’s of business administration degree from the University of Mississippi.

“I am ecstatic about the appointment,” says Owens.

“St. Andrew’s has become a very important part of my life. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work more closely with the teachers, parents and students. Jean has been a wonderful leader and role model. I look forward to working with her to ensure there is a seamless transition for all.”

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a co-education college preparatory day school that serves 1,200 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on campuses in Jackson and Ridgeland.

The Northside Sun newspaper has more than 11,000 paid circulation representing 27,500 readers. This assumes that the average number of readers per newspaper is 2.5 which is the national average based on studies by the National Newspaper Association. The newspaper is mailed to subscribers through the U.S. Postal Service and arrives at homes on Thursday with the regular mail. The Northside Sun Magazine has 10,000 free distribution through racks and counters throughout our area. We are also in offices and waiting rooms. Studies shows free magazines have 3 readers per issue which would make the readership of the magazine 30,000. The newspaper and the magazine together have a readerships of approximately 57,500. The newspaper is published once a week and the magazine is published once a month. The magazine is on glossy coated paper. The newspaper is on newsprint. About half our subscribers are in south Madison County and about half are in northeast Jackson. Our primary zip code in northeast Jackson is 39211, but we also have high penetration in Fondren and Belhaven. The average household income of our readers is about $85,000 a year. Our readership is evenly divided between males and females. Half of our readers have college degrees or higher.