Seabury Academy athletic director Brian Clyne accepted a job as dean of students and faculty at Park Maitland School near Orlando, Fla.

Clyne, who has been athletics director since Seabury opened 10 years ago, will assume his new post July 2. His last day at Seabury will be May 25.

“I really wanted to get back into the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade setting,” Clyne said. “The main thing I want to do is create a community feel. To me, it’s all about making kids feel like they’re connected to the school.”

Clyne also saw an opportunity for growth at the Florida private school. According to Clyne, there’s a good chance the current head of school will retire in two or three years. Clyne will be the front-runner to take over.

Clyne said one of his greatest accomplishments at Seabury was giving every student a chance to participate in sports.

“It’s not about having athletics stand out,” Clyne said. “It’s about part of our mission, which is to have well-rounded kids.”

In Clyne’s time at Seabury, he elevated the school from a small Kansas Christian Athletic Association (KCAA) program to part of the Kansas State High School Athletics Association (KSHAA). The KSHAA executive board approved Seabury as a Class 1A school in 2002.

Eric Nelson, Seabury cross country and tennis coach, will take over Clyne’s duties as athletics director.