Tabor Academy picks new head of school

MARION — Ending a search that began in August, Tabor Academy has found a new head of school. 

The school announced on Dec. 30 that Anthony Jaccaci will take over as head of school on July 1, 2021.

Jaccaci is currently Head of School at Cincinnati Country Day School in Ohio, where he has been for six years. Prior to his tenure in Ohio, he spent five years as the founding Executive Principal of the Secondary Division at YK Pao School in Shanghai.

Jaccaci was unanimously selected by the Tabor selection committee and unanimously approved by the school’s Board of Trustees. 

In a press release from Tabor, the school highlighted his work in diversity and equity as head of Cincinnati Country. There, he created a committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, which worked to open up conversation at the school surrounding equity and inclusion. 

"Tony exemplifies what Tabor is looking for in its next Head of School,” said Tabor Board Chair-elect Regina Shakin. “He is an experienced and tested leader who personifies the qualities we promote in our students: love of learning, integrity, empathy and a robust work ethic.”

At Yk Pao, Jaccaci worked to develop a western-style boarding school experience locally for students in Shanghai. 

Jaccaci began his teaching career at St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he taught history and Mandarin Chinese, and coached soccer, hockey, and baseball.

Former Head of School John Quirk was arrested in Bourne on Jan. 31 for driving under the influence, speeding and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

In February, Tabor Academy announced that Quirk would take a leave of absence for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. In June, the school announced that he will not return as Head of School.

Since then, Interim Head of School Julie Salit has been running the academy.

Jaccaci noted that he looks forward to joining Tabor, which he said “blends a tradition of excellence in whole-person education with a future-facing orientation.”

“It will be wonderful to be a Seawolf soon!" he wrote in the release. 

Ahead of his July arrival, Jaccaci will work with the Tabor Academy administration to smooth the transition.