Ladue School District Announces Interim Leadership Structure

After a meeting Monday between the president and the vice president of the Ladue Board of Education and senior district leadership, a new leadership structure will be announced sometime today to address the early departure of Superintendent Dr. Marsha Chappelow.

Dr. Chappelow, who was set to retire at the end of the school year, announced she would take an early leave of absence effective Dec. 1.

“The Board of Education did not make this decision lightly, but ultimately came to the conclusion that reaching this agreement was in the best interest of the district and will lead to a more efficient and productive transition process,” said Board President Jayne Langsam in a news release.

Existing superintendent duties will alternate weekly throughout the remainder of the calendar year. The leadership structure will include Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Judy Sclair and Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Donna Jahnke.

This evening, the district will announce a plan for interim responsibilities for Jan. 1, 2013 through the remainder of the school year.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience,” Langsam said in a news release. “ These decisions will be finalized very quickly and I am confident of, and grateful for, the administration’s and Board’s ability to work together effectively and efficiently. We simply need a few hours to get the details ironed out and communicated to those directly impacted.”

The board has also begun working with McPherson & Jacobson LLC in conducting a search for the next superintendent. A new superintendent is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2013.

Patch will update this story as more details become available.