The Hazelwood Central Hawks won’t have their current lead administrator to turn to during the 2011-2012 school year.

The Hazelwood School District Board of Education approved the hire of Hazelwood Central’s principal, Dr. Darrell Strong, to become the assistant superintendent for learning during Tuesday night’s board meeting.

Strong will assume some of the duties from associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction Dr. Mary Piper, who will retire June 30.

“I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as principal of Hazelwood Central High School (HCHS) over the past three years,” Strong wrote in a letter to parents on Wednesday morning. “I have enjoyed working with you and your children during this time. It has also been great working with a staff that is dedicated to what is best for all students and is willing to do what it takes to help them reach their potential.

“Please know that I will continue to work for not just your student but for all students in the Hazelwood School District in this new position,” he said in the letter.

In his new role, Dr. Strong will direct and coordinate the instructional programs for the district as well as supervise a quarter of the schools within the district.

As he has served as Central’s principal for the past three years and as principal of Hazelwood Northwest Middle School for four years prior, Superintendent Dr. Steve Price believes Dr. Strong will make be an asset to the administration.

“Dr. Strong will be an excellent leader in the area of learning, and I am proud that we can promote an administrator who is a member of the current HSD staff,” Dr. Price said in a press release. “He knows the students in our district and the high expectations our parents and community have for student learning and achievement.” 

Dr. Strong will assume his new role this summer. The district has indicated that planning is underway for the hiring of a replacement principal for Hazelwood Central High School.