Henderson: Hardy Will Have New Principal by End of July

D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson assured the Hardy Middle School community there would be a swift selection of a new principal to replace unexpectedly departing Dr. Mary Stefanus. 

In a letter to parents, Henderson wrote:

"Given the time of year, we will need to work quickly with Hardy community members to facilitate the community panel process. Our goal is to panel for the new principal by the end of next week, and select a new principal for Hardy Middle School to start by the end of July."

Stefanus notified the Parent Teacher Association and the Hardy community of her departure Thursday. She cited "personal reasons" for retiring after just two years at the helm of the Georgetown middle school. 

"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. 

Last year the principal at Stoddert Elementary resigned her position for family reasons, prompting a similar last-minute scramble that resulted in Henderson appointing an interim principal without community input.

Henderson's timeline for Hardy includes an option for community input, so the Hardy slot may not be addressed in the same manner as Stoddert's was last year. 

Henderson noted:

"Maintaining academic progress at Hardy and ensuring a seamless transition for your new principal and for the school community are high priorities for the District of Columbia Public Schools. We have been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Stefanus’ leadership and, with her help, we believe we have built a strong foundation for the future of Hardy Middle School."

Read more about Dr. Stefanus' retirement here.