Head of Lexington private, cooperative school on leave of absence

The head of school at Lexington’s Redwood Cooperative School is on a leave of absence, chairman of the board of trustees Kelly Taylor said Monday in an email to families.

The leave for Sarah Cummins began Nov. 25, Taylor said.

“We understand that you may have questions,” Taylor wrote. “Unfortunately due to privacy considerations, we are unable to share specific details. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”

Taylor did not respond to requests for additional comment about Cummins’ leave.

The private school on Crestwood Drive in Lexington is for students in preschool through middle school with hands-on, inquiry-based learning, according to its website. According to the school, 189 students are enrolled.

“To ensure the continued smooth operation of our school, the Board of Trustees has appointed Alicia Vance, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Mattie Bashorun, Director of Student Support to serve as points of contact for school operations in the near term,” Taylor said in the email.

“We want to assure you that our primary focus remains, as always, on the education and well-being of your children,” the email said. “All academic schedules, events, and extracurricular activities will continue exactly as planned. Our dedicated teachers remain focused on the classroom and supporting your students.”

This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 11:11 AM.