Ladue School Board Names Dr. Donna Jahnke Next Superintendent

Dr. Donna Jahnke, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Ladue School District was just named the new superintendent of schools. She takes over for Dr. Marsha Chappelow who officially retires June 30, 2013.

A transition process and plan will be developed over the next few weeks.  Dr. Judy Sclair remains Acting Superintendent.

Dr. Jahnke has been with the Ladue School Disrict for 22 years. She came to the district first as a teacher in 1991, served as Director of Community Services including running the Ladue Early Childhood Center (LEEC) and became principal at Reed School in 1998.

Dr. Jahnke holds both a Philosophy degree and Ph.D in Education Administration from Saint Louis University.

She developed the first STEM initiative for the district, resulting in robotics instruction for students K-12.

Board members Sheri Glantz and Ken Smith co-chaired the search for the new superintendent.

In announcing the Board of Education’s selection, Board President Jayne Langsam stated, “Dr. Jahnke is a proven and trusted leader in our district. She has a clear understanding of the educational needs of students, as well as the expectations of the community.  She has earned the respect of her colleagues at all levels during her 22 years in the district and can hit the ground running on the many important initiatives underway.”

“It will be my honor, as well as my privilege, to serve as Ladue Schools’ next superintendent,” said Dr. Jahnke.  “My commitment to this district is strong and I am passionate about what can be accomplished here.  I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  

Our teaching staff is exceptional and our leadership team is engaged and solid.  Most importantly, our parents are involved and bring to us some of the most remarkable students in the nation. 

I am confident that, together, we can maintain the traditions that have made Ladue Schools an excellent school district, while continuously improving to ensure we set the standard for academic excellence.”