Lynnhaven School Founder to Step Down in June

​Henrico, Virginia - Lynnhaven School announced the founder and co-head of school, Johnathan Harris, is stepping down after a decade of dedicated leadership. Harris has decided to step down from his position, marking the end of an era. During his tenure, Harris has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Lynnhaven School, establishing it as a leading project-based learning school in the region. 

“Opening Lynnhaven School was an idea I had as a little boy growing up in southwest Virginia. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to lead this wonderful school over the last decade. It is not often someone can literally have their dream job. Lynnhaven is poised to become the best version of itself,” said Harris in a statement.” When asked why he thought the time was right to step away from Lynnhaven, he said, “The ‘life span’ of a head of school is not infinite. I am no different, even as a founder. I have poured my heart and soul into Lynnhaven for a decade. The timing is right for me to step down.” Harris was asked if he would continue as a board of trustee, and he said the following “for many years people viewed Lynnhaven as ‘Johnny’s school’ - yes, I am the founder and opened its doors ten years ago, but it was never ‘mine’ or about me. It was about changing the narrative of what a project-based high school, based on the progressive education model, could look like in Richmond. The newly appointed board of trustees, along with Casey, need an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas as they launch a new decade of learning at Lynnhaven.” 

Lynnhaven’s successor will be Casey Hitchcock. Hitchcock is no stranger to a headship, as she and Harris have been co-heads of school at Lynnhaven for the last two years. Hitchcock brings over 15 years of experience in the education industry, having served in various leadership positions before Lynnhaven. She is an accomplished educator with a proven track record of success in academic, operational, strategic vision, and financial management. Hitchcock began her tenure at Lynnhaven in 2017.

"We are thrilled to have Casey as the next Head of School at Lynnhaven. Her vast leadership experience and expertise will be invaluable to the continued growth and success of Lynnhaven," said a Board of Trustee in a statement. They continued and said, “Johnny’s vision and work ethic is unmatched. He had the guts to do what many dream of doing. He will be incredibly missed at Lynnhaven.” 

Hitchcock is excited about the opportunity to lead Lynnhaven School to greater heights. "I am honored and humbled to continue to lead Lynnhaven School. I look forward to working with everyone involved in making this school a staple in the Richmond community.” She went on to say “Lynnhaven is truly losing one of the greatest minds in progressive education in Johnny Harris. He has been a mentor and friend during my tenure at Lynnhaven. He will be missed as the Head of School, but I know he will always be our biggest champion. I am excited for his next journey.” 

Lynnhaven will not seek to hire a co-head of school, as Hitchcock will serve as the Head of School, independently. Harris’s last official day will be on Friday, May 26, 2023, which is also senior graduation. 

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