A Quasi Sabbatical for the High School Principal

Principal Layne Millington’s early departure from Swampscott High will give him more time with his family and time to transition to his new position in Marblehead.

The time off will be a mini-sabbatical, of sorts, the principal said in an interview Wednesday.

He will get to spend more time with injured and sick members of his family.

His 11-year-old son is in a cast, having suffered a broken leg. His mom, a resident at Brooksby Village in Peabody, is sick.

The principal’s last day at the school will be May 28, but he will be at the Class of 2013's graduation ceremony June 2.

The principal said his focus, through June 2, will be on the graduating seniors, preparing for and seeing through their ceremonies.

These include the class awards night and graduation.

The principal will apply unused personal days and vacation time to his early departure, and use about a week-and-a-half of unpaid leave, he said.

During the time off, in addition to spending time with family, the principal wants to recharge his batteries and think about what he wants to accomplish at MHS.

“I want to go in there bright-eyed and bushy tailed and be as effective as I can,” he said

He starts his duties at Marblehead High July 1.

The principal started at SHS in 2010.