It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of former Webb Headmaster A. Jon Frere on Monday, May 18, 2026. Jon’s 16-year tenure at The Webb School represents the longest headship since Sawney and “Son Will” Webb. 

A graduate of Franklin and Marshall College and Middlebury College, Jon’s career in academic administration began at the early age of 26, when he became the Athletic Director at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. At age 40, he accepted a position as Dean of Students at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, where he was later named Assistant Headmaster and served as Interim Head for one year before joining The Webb School in 1989.

From day one, Jon recognized that Webb had a great reputation and the potential to build upon it. Under his leadership, The Webb School community flourished in every way—from its campus buildings and day student population, which had more than doubled, to its endowment. 

In 1993, Webb completed the William Bond Library. Two years later, the School constructed a new Student Center to replace the old Senior Room. Webb also created the Laura Woosley Memorial Plaza, a picturesque space honoring Sawney’s passion for reading, and erected the Woosley-Gilliland Memorial Gates. Finally, the School built the Imre Lagler Athletic Field and the Frank G. Barton Jr. Athletic Center, and both renovated and restored the Big Room and Son Will buildings.

“Everything that has grown at Webb over the last few years revolves around the people,” Jon said in a Summer 2005 interview with The Webb School Magazine. 

Beyond facility improvements, he touched the lives of more than 800 students, reconnected hundreds of alumni, and attracted dozens of talented faculty to The Webb School. In no time at all, annual giving steadily increased, and the endowment grew from $8 million to $17 million.

With students at the front of his mind, Jon invested in cutting-edge academic offerings, introducing new courses and technology on campus. Throughout Jon’s time as Head of School, Webb produced 26 National Merit Semifinalists, 28 National Merit Finalists, one National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, and two National Achievement Scholars. “You hope that every kid who leaves here will one day come back and say ‘Mr. or Mrs. really meant something to me,’” Jon once said.

For his hard work and devotion to The Webb School, Jon received the John B. Hardin Service Award and a bible at the Class of 2005 Commencement Ceremony the same year he retired.   

Please join us in remembering A. Jon Frere for his meaningful contributions to The Webb School. Read the official obituary here.