LYNNHAVEN SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP - BYWATER TO CHAIR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Henrico, VA - Lynnhaven School, a pioneering institution in Richmond, VA, as the first micro high school, is delighted to welcome a new Head of School and the newest members to its Board of Trustees, effective July 2023. Lynnhaven, founded in 2012 by education entrepreneur Dr. Johnathan Harris, has been a vital educational option for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodiverse students who value a small, hands-on approach to project-based learning. Harris recently ended his tenure with Lynnhaven, after eleven years, on June 30, 2023. The new board members were welcomed this month, just before the new school year begins on August 9th. 

Bridgette Bywater, the newly appointed Board Chair, serves as the Vice President & General Manager of Kings Dominion, a Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. With an extensive background in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing, Bridgette's passion for FUN is evident in her role, where she creates extraordinary experiences for visitors. Bridgette's involvement in civic organizations, such as the Richmond Management Round Table, ChamberRVA, and Richmond Region Tourism, showcases her commitment to building a thriving community. With a keen focus on networking, she is dedicated to establishing meaningful connections that contribute to the greater good of Richmond.

Shareema Williams, a Senior Vice President and commercial lender at Towne Bank, joins the Board with over 14 years of experience in business development and analytics. Shareema's dedication to fostering symbiotic relationships with commercial and industrial companies aligns seamlessly with Lynnhaven's values. Her commitment to her family and community exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact both inside and outside the boardroom.

Heide Trepanier, the Board Secretary, brings her love for the arts and community to Lynnhaven School. As a professional artist and a former instructor at VCU, the University of Richmond, and UVA, Heide's dedication to fine arts education is matched by her involvement in community-based murals and works. Her achievements include recognition by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and The Speed Museum.

Jess Ellet, a self-proclaimed marketing geek, is a wife, mother of four, and a visionary in the advertising industry as the owner of River City Consulting. With over 25 years of experience, Jess's creativity and strategic thinking have shaped successful marketing campaigns for businesses in Richmond.

James Frago, the Faculty Representative, and Bobbie-Sue Tunstall, the Board Treasurer, further expand the board as they guide Lynnhaven School's strategic direction and uphold its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities to students. With the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of the new members, Lynnhaven is poised to achieve new heights of excellence.

In light of the school's continued commitment to delivering outstanding education and expanding its reach, Lynnhaven School made adjustments to its tuition fees for the 2023-2024 academic year, increasing it from $14,950 to $19,980 per year. The increase in tuition represents the school’s commitment to attracting qualified teachers, maintaining high-quality student programming, and staying competitive in the Richmond private school market. The budget for the 2023-2024 academic year stands at $1.09 million dollars which reflects their dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for students. Looking ahead, the newly appointed Board of Trustees will be actively engaged in developing Lynnhaven's 2025 strategic plan.

Lynnhaven is also proud to announce Dr. Casey Hitchcock as its next Head of School, a unanimous appointment by the board of trustees. Dr. Hitchcock's journey at Lynnhaven has been marked by exemplary leadership, dedication, and a commitment to fostering excellence in education. As Co-Head of School for the past two years, Dr. Hitchcock has consistently demonstrated an indomitable spirit of innovation. Her commitment to student-centric methodologies, Project-Based Learning (PBL), Agile Classroom, and mastery grading, reflects her determination to challenge the status quo and redefine the essence of schooling. Dr. Hitchcock has been with Lynnhaven School for 7 years. 

For more information about Lynnhaven School and its commitment to progressive education, please visit contact Alyson LeMaster, Dean of Enrollment and Innovation at www.lynnhavenschool.org or dial 804-750-2300.

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