BBA headmaster to take sabbatical leave

Andrew McKeever

MANCHESTER — Burr and Burton Academy’s headmaster, Mark Tashjian, will be taking a six month sabbatical leave starting in July.

In a letter mailed to the school’s families, Tashjian stated that he, along with his family, would be living in Costa Rica from the end of July until next December. His four children will attend school there and he and his wife planned to take Spanish lessons and immerse themselves in the local culture.

“Along with gaining an incredible family experience, this sabbatical will allow time to think, write, synthesize, and prepare to re-enter BBA with a unique combination: a fresh perspective coupled with 10 years experience,” Tashjian wrote.

While he is away, the current assistant head of school, Meg Kenny, will serve as the Acting Head of School. Kenny has been a member of the school’s faculty and administration for the past 19 years.

Tashjian and the school’s board of trustees have crafted a new five year contract which runs through until 2022, although he hopes to remain at the school for longer than that, he stated in the letter.

Burr and Burton will hold its commencement exercises on June 9