Joanne Bartlett, St. Paul’s School for Boys board chair leader has died. The St. Paul’s School for Boys community is mourning the heartbreaking death of Joanne P. Bartlett, a beloved former Board Chair, educator, and leader whose remarkable impact spanned more than three decades. Her passing marks the end of a chapter filled with dedication, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the growth and unity of St. Paul’s Schools. In a heartfelt post shared on the official St. Paul’s School for Boys Facebook page, the school expressed deep sorrow over her passing, paying tribute to her decades of service and her lasting influence on the lives of students, staff, and the broader school community. Joanne Bartlett was not just an administrator, she was a visionary leader who helped shape the St. Paul’s legacy for generations to come.
About Joanne P. Bartlett
Joanne’s journey with St. Paul’s began in 1988, when she joined St. Paul’s School for Girls as a college counselor, senior class dean, and assistant field hockey coach. She quickly became known for her compassion, professionalism, and ability to connect deeply with students. Joanne guided countless young women through the critical process of preparing for college and adulthood, offering not only academic counsel but also emotional support and encouragement.
Later, she transitioned into the admissions office, serving diligently until 1997. Her time as an admissions officer was marked by a genuine love for education and her commitment to helping families find a nurturing academic home for their children. Even after leaving her faculty position, Joanne’s connection with St. Paul’s never wavered. She remained an active and influential figure within the community for the rest of her life.
Transformative Leadership on the Board of Trustees
In 2013, Joanne was elected to the St. Paul’s School for Girls Board of Trustees, where she continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership and vision. Her peers quickly recognized her ability to unite people around shared goals, and in 2016, she was elected Board President. Just two years later, Joanne achieved another historic milestone when she was appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the unified St. Paul’s Schools Board of Trustees. Working closely with then-Board President Liz Robinson, Joanne played a pivotal role in the unification of St. Paul’s School for Boys, St. Paul’s School for Girls, and St. Paul’s Pre and Lower School. This monumental effort strengthened the schools’ shared mission and created a cohesive community dedicated to excellence, inclusivity, and character development.
Under Joanne’s leadership, the St. Paul’s Schools flourished. Her vision was rooted in collaboration ensuring that both boys and girls benefited from a unified educational experience that celebrated individuality while fostering unity. Her work left an indelible mark on the schools’ structure, culture, and long-term success. Joanne’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2019, she received the Robert Pollock Trustee Service Award, an honor that recognized her tireless dedication and exceptional service to the St. Paul’s community. Her passion for education, mentorship, and student development continued to shine brightly even after her formal leadership roles concluded.
In 2024, she was honored once again with the Green Apple Award, celebrating her unwavering devotion to the schools’ mission and her role in nurturing future generations of learners and leaders. Most recently, Joanne served on the steering committee for the SPSG building project, continuing her commitment to ensuring that the campus remained a thriving environment for academic and personal growth.
In a fitting tribute to her enduring spirit and love for St. Paul’s, the Bartlett Family has established the Joanne P. Bartlett Endowed Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will offer four-year awards to incoming freshmen at both St. Paul’s School for Boys and St. Paul’s School for Girls who embody Joanne’s values passion for the arts or athletics, strong leadership qualities, and a deep sense of community involvement.
Through this fund, Joanne’s influence will continue to inspire and empower students who share her enthusiasm for learning and service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of young scholars who benefit from her lifelong dedication to education.
Joanne P. Bartlett’s passing is a profound loss to the St. Paul’s Schools community, but her spirit of leadership, compassion, and unity remains deeply woven into the fabric of the institution she loved so dearly. Her colleagues, former students, and fellow board members will remember her as a beacon of strength, wisdom, and grace a woman who gave selflessly to ensure that St. Paul’s continued to thrive. As the St. Paul’s community reflects on her extraordinary life, her example serves as a reminder that true leadership is not about titles or recognition it’s about service, vision, and heart. Joanne Bartlett embodied all three, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched.