Hannibal School Board votes to allow Eugene Field Elementary School principal to return on probationary status

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The principal of Eugene Field Elementary School has been allowed to return to her job after a one-week leave.

Susan Johnson, superintendent of the Hannibal School District, placed Kelsey Whitley on administrative leave on Sunday, Oct. 23 after learning of a photo Whitley had posted to her social media account. Maria Mundle, a former assistant superintendent, filled in last week during Whitley’s absence.

The Hannibal Board of Education met with Whitley in executive session on Saturday, Oct. 29 during a special board meeting. Whitley’s social media post and its interpretation were discussed. The
board then voted to allow Whitley to return to her job at Eugene Field Elementary on a probationary status. Shawn Brown, an assistant superintendent, was directed to work with Whitley during the 2022-23 school year.

Johnson has made only one comment about the situation.

“Hannibal Public Schools remains committed to providing the best possible education for our students and high quality work environment for our teachers and staff,” she said on Oct. 23 in a press release. “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 posted an apology on Monday, Oct. 24 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.”

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.