Lincoln Academy did not hire either of its finalists for head of school and will resume the search with a deadline four-and-a-half months away.
“We continue to seek the individual we believe will best help us meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities ahead,” Todd Savage, president of the board of trustees and chairman of the head of school search committee, said in a statement.
“If it takes a little longer, we are confident that we will identify that leader and will continue to seek the input of all stakeholders,” Savage said.
The two finalists were Cheshire Academy Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Christopher Hayes and Thornton Academy Headmaster Emeritus Carl J. Stasio Jr.
Hayes, in a phone interview, said he accepted a headmaster position at a school in Florida. He said he could not identify the school because it has yet to formally announce the hiring.
Hayes described the decision to accept the job and end his candidacy for the Lincoln Academy post as the most difficult of his career.
Stasio did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The school will continue to inform the community as it invites candidates to campus as part of the public stage of the process, according to a statement from the head of school search committee.
“Lincoln Academy deserves the very best possible leadership going forward,” Savage said.
Lincoln Academy Head of School Jay Pinkerton plans to step down at the end of the academic year after 17 years as an administrator at the Newcastle high school and almost seven years as head of school.