Ladue High School Principal Quitting At Academic Year's End

The Ladue School District announced Monday night that it accepted the resignation of Ladue Horton Watkins High School Principal Dr. Bridget Hermann, effective at the end of the current academic year.

Dr. Hermann has been in the top spot at the school since 2007, and previously served as assistant principal between 2002-2004.

In a news release announcing the move, the district says she is pursuing new opportunities in education.

“Dr. Hermann has provided leadership to the staff and students of the Ladue School District for eight years,” Dr. Marsha Chappelow said in a statement. “She has made enormous contributions to our high school and to our district as a whole.  We regret losing her to her new pursuits, but are also very grateful for the years of dedicated service we are fortunate enough to have been given during the course of her career.”

The high school has been the subject of controversy this year, in light of a complaint filed over an alleged long-running form of bullying.

The issue is now being investigated as a civil rights complaint.

When asked how district patrons might interpret Dr. Hermann's resignation given those circumstances, Ladue Spokeswoman Susan Dielmann told Patch via emai:

"Dr. Hermann's decision was entirely a personal one based on her desire to pursue other career opportunities. With grown children, she and her husband are looking forward to greater flexibility in choosing their location and lifestyle.  Dr. Hermann has made enormous contributions to the district during her eight years of service, and we wish her well in what is sure to be a continuation of a successful career in education."

The district plans a "thorough search" for a replacement that will include involvement by students, staff, and parents, according to a district news release.