Head of School

March 8, 2018

Dear WRA Community,

My relationship with Western Reserve Academy and Hudson goes back many years, and involves many roles. As I look back on all these experiences, I find it is an appropriate time to find new horizons. I plan to depart at the end of the 2018-19 school year.

Alison and I returned to Reserve 26 years ago. After raising our family in the David Hudson House and Pierce House, we have extremely fond memories of the community and the homes. As Reserve completes a campaign, it is an appropriate time for a change.

The past years as Head of School have been enjoyable and rewarding. I particularly value the most important part of this community, the faculty and staff. They truly make this a distinctive school and community. I also appreciate the support of the Board of Trustees through all of these projects and my tenure as Head of School. I certainly am pleased with the Campaign, nearing $80 million, as well as the recent building projects: the Franks Family Admission Office at President's House, Wang Innovation Center and Seymour Hall, and endowment support for financial aid and faculty. We have renovated most of Brick Row. I am also pleased with the changes in the curriculum and schedule.

The most memorable experiences at Reserve are with the students, and I have many years of those memories. I have had various roles with students: teaching Latin class, coaching, advising, living in a dorm, seated meals and many informal yet enjoyable events. These are the experiences that make WRA a distinctive school. These relationships drew me back to the school for many years and sustained my energy through all my roles at the school. I also appreciate the support of our strong parent and alumni communities.

While I make this announcement now, I realize we have much to do for the next school year. I look forward to continued success. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Board of Trustees

March 8, 2018

Dear Reserve Community,

Our Head of School, Christopher D. Burner, has announced he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the next school year, June 30, 2019.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we express our wholehearted gratitude to Chris for all he has done—and will continue to do—for WRA as Head of School. Chris has been deeply committed to our students and to the future of WRA. Reserve has flourished under his leadership. 

During Chris's tenure, WRA has realized bold changes, cementing our position among the country's best boarding schools. Reserve's new curriculum, a focus on attracting and retaining a strong and dynamic faculty, extensive renovations along Brick Row and the coming completion of The Campaign for Excellence & Access were achieved through Chris's leadership and his commitment to the values that have made WRA distinctive for almost 200 years.

Chris has developed friendships around the country and around the world through his years of tireless outreach on behalf of our school. He is the ultimate Reserve citizen: a student, Latin teacher, coach, administrator, parent and Head. Chris might say tempus fugit, as he reflects on how his years here have run together. But the reality is his life as Head of School has been characterized by an around the clock and intense commitment to the community he loves.

We are also deeply grateful to Alison Burner for all she has done to support Chris and WRA over the past decade. Alison has graced Pierce House with her elegant style and devoted attention to all members of the WRA family, while maintaining her outside professional responsibilities.

This year will continue under Chris's leadership, with oversight of milestones such as Commencement, Senior Celebration and Reunion. He will serve his final year as Head of School during the 2018–19 academic year, as we celebrate the grand reopening of Seymour Hall and the conclusion of the Campaign.

In the coming weeks, the Board will be announcing plans to begin a search for a new Head of School. But we will also be focused on providing the very best experience for Reserve students during this time of transition.

Western Reserve Academy is a mixture of many things: history, charm, excellence, integrity and compassion. Thank you, Chris, for honoring our history and for acting boldly to ensure our future.

Sincerely,

© Western Reserve Academy 2018