Hardy Principal Retires Citing 'Personal Reasons'

Dr. Mary Stefanus, the principal chosen by parents two years ago to lead the Georgetown middle school, has decided to retire. 

UPDATE: Henderson: Hardy Will Have New Principal by End of July

She came out of retirement from St. Louis where she served for 30 years at both middle schools and high schools in positions ranging from teacher to dean to principal. 

Considering  a 2008 article in the Webster Kirkwood Times that said Stefanus "engineered a turnaround" at her most recent school, helping it achieve a “Missouri Gold Star,” many Hardy parents hoped she would help make Hardy as desirable an option for feeder school parents as nearby, over-enrolled Deal Middle School.

Stefanus took over the principal role at Hardy, which had experience several tumultuous years of principal departures, and quickly became among its biggest advocates. 

After her first year she told Patch in an interview that she really felt Hardy was "on the move" after a brief "rocky period."

"Here’s the bottom line, this is a good school," she told Patch in 2012 interview. "And if parents want their child to go to a good school, Hardy is going to offer that."

But shortly after the end of her second full year she has decided to retire.

"After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to retire again for a variety of personal reasons. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your children," she wrote in a statement posted on the school website. 

"It certainly was a surprise to me," said incoming PTA president and parent of a soon-to-be eighth grader David Fredrickson in an interview with Patch.

As recently as last month's meeting she was involved with future planning for PTA efforts to raise money for the school and gave "no inclination" that she might be leaving, according to Fredrickson.

He said Stefanus had "great vision" and showed "excitement" and "respect" for the school.

"Hardy is much more than one person," said Fredrickson. "I don’t want to overplay how dramatic it is," he added.        
 
The PTA has reached out to DCPS about the selection process and Fredrickson said he expects to have more information on how that will proceed by Monday. 

In closing out her retirement announcement, Stefanus wrote, "I am more than confident that the Hardy traditions, community support, and fine education will continue."

Patch will continue to follow this story as it develops. If you are a Hardy parent or teacher and wish to speak about Dr. Stefanus' departure, email Editor Shaun Courtney shaun@patch.com.