Head of Lexington private cooperative school departs after leave of absence

Sarah Cummins will no longer serve in her role as Head of School at Redwood Cooperative School, a private cooperative school in Lexington, officials said.

Cummins went on leave November 25. Her departure was on December 15, said Kelly Taylor, Chair of the Redwood Board of Trustees, told families in an email on Friday.

“After careful deliberation, the Board and Dr. Cummins determined that she would step down from her role as Head of School. We appreciate her catalytic energy and unwavering dedication to shaping the Redwood we know today. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” Taylor said in the Friday email.

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

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.

“We would like to take this moment to express our immense gratitude to Dr. Cummins for her service to Redwood Cooperative School,” Taylor said in the Friday email.

“During her tenure, which began as our first ever Head of School, she developed our systems and educational model, led us through a campus move and the global pandemic, guided us through our first ... accreditation process, navigated our capital expansion, mentored numerous teachers and administrators, built meaningful relationships with our families and local community, developed a Pre-K and Middle School, and grew our programs,” she said.

“She never faltered in pursuit of our collective vision while putting our students and their voices at the center of our mission,” Taylor said.

Taylor acknowledged that the “leadership transition happened quickly. To be expected, you may have questions, but we have a duty to protect confidentiality in personnel matters.”

Alicia Vance, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, has been appointed Acting Head of School, effective immediately. Mattie Bashorun, currently Director of Student Support Services, has been appointed Acting Associate Head of School, also immediately.

Alicia and Mattie have the full confidence of the Board and the respect of the community, Taylor said. “They are well-positioned to manage day-to-day operations and support our faculty during this interim period.”

“The strength of Redwood has never rested on a single individual, but rather on our exceptional faculty, our dedicated staff, and you — our supportive community,” Taylor said. “The daily life of the school — the teaching, learning, and care that our children receive — will continue uninterrupted and with the same joy and Redwood magic as always.”