September 30, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our new school year is off to an excellent start, and we look forward to a wonderful and inspiring 2021–2022.

As you know, after eight years as Headmaster of Portsmouth Abbey School, Dan McDonough has moved on with the Board’s and school community’s tremendous gratitude for his leadership and service.  With Matt Walter as Acting Headmaster, our school is in enormously capable hands.

At the direction of the Board, a Search Committee for our next Head of School has been formed.  The role of the Search Committee is to define the success criteria for the next Head, attract qualified applicants, conduct a rigorous assessment process and recommend finalists to the Board of Regents and Monastery.  The Search Committee is chaired by Regent and Portsmouth alumna, Mrs. Cara Gontarz Hume ’99.  She is supported by Board Chair Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P’12 ‘15 ’19, Prior Administrator Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B., and fellow Regents:  Mr. Christopher Abbate ’88 P’20 ’23; Mr. John Bohan P’20 ’22; Dr. Timothy Flanigan ’75 P’06 ’09 ’11 ’19, Dr. Mary Beth Klee P’04, and Brother Sixtus Roslevich, O.S.B.  We have engaged Catholic School Management (CSM), a division of Christian Brothers Services, to facilitate this process.

Our extensive search process will include both internal and external candidates.  Please know that internal candidates and Abbey graduates are welcome—and encouraged—to apply.  A position profile detailing the application requirements and additional details about the search will be posted on our website soon.

Please keep this endeavor in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Very Reverend Michael G. Brunner, O.S.B.
Prior-Administrator

Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P’12 ’15 ’19
Chairman, Board of Regents