UPDATED: Hannibal principal on administrative leave apologizes for social media post

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The principal of Eugene Field Elementary in Hannibal has apologized for a social media post she made over the weekend.

Kelsey Whitley was put on administrative leave by the Hannibal School District on Sunday. On Monday, she posted the following on the Eugene Field Elementary Facebook page.

Good afternoon Eugene Field families, this is Kelsey Whitley.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the events of Saturday night as I’ve truly hurt many and will do anything I can to help combat that pain.

Saturday night I attended a Halloween party, took multiple pictures of the decorations and costumes and posted them to social media. It was brought to my attention that one of the pictures had been perceived as offensive, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand the difference between intent and impact and while my intent was never to endorse a photo that appears racist, I understand the impact of this photo on community members. I am incredibly sorry for this hurt I have caused and I pray for the opportunity to do everything in my power to regain the trust of my district, community, and families.

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HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kelsey Whitley, principal of Eugene Field Elementary School in Hannibal, has been placed on administrative leave.

The announcement was made late Sunday afternoon by Susan Johnson, superintendent of the Hannibal School District, in a press release.

The release also said Maria Mundle, former assistant superintendent, will be filling in for Whitley in her absence.

Andrea Campbell, public relations and communications specialist for the Hannibal School District, was asked to provide more information about the action taken by the district. She didn’t provide any more information in an email response, but Campbell offered another statement from Johnson.

“Hannibal Public Schools remains committed to providing the best possible education for our students and high quality work environment for our teachers and staff,” Johnson said. “We realize you may have questions regarding this situation. However, because this is a personnel matter, the school district and Board of Education will not be able to provide any additional information at this time.

“We appreciate your ongoing support of our students, staff, and district.” 

Whitley is in her fourth year as principal at Eugene Field, her sixth year overall at Eugene Field and her 11th year with the Hannibal School District.

Whitley previously was an Early Intervention Behavior Intervention teacher at Eugene Field. She also taught third grade at Mark Twain Elementary School and early childhood special education at the Hannibal Early Childhood Center, and she also coached volleyball at Hannibal High School.