LAPLACE — The principal of the St. John STEM Magnet Program resigned following a December School District investigation into undisclosed human resources complaints.

Terran Perry, who also served as principal at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, sent in his resignation Jan. 11 to pursue other career opportunities, according to Superintendent Kevin George.

Glenn Chenier, former assistant principal at East St. John Preparatory Academy, has been named interim principal at Garyville Magnet. No interim principal has been named for the STEM program, though Gillian King-Hughes is continuing to oversee day-to-day operations from her assistant principal’s role.

Messages left last week for Chenier and King-Hughes were not returned.

George said there are no active investigations at this time, and both campus climates are stable.

Numerous sources told L’OBSERVATEUR the School District received more than one complaint concerning the negative workplace environment that Perry fostered within his school site administrations.

Perry was unable to be reached for comment.

The Sheriff’s Office previously said there were no local criminal investigations concerning Perry.

“Anytime you have any transition with teachers, assistant principals or principals, there is some transition that happens,” George said. “I will say the employees and the kids at both sites have really stepped up to the challenge. Education is happening. It doesn’t stop for any one individual.”

Perry was removed from active duty in the first week of December. Numerous St. John School Board members stated an investigation was underway at the time, though none were privy to the personnel concern that sparked Perry’s leave.

George said Perry’s leave did not stem from an overwhelming responsibility of overseeing two campuses.

“That was a model of a magnet high school in East Baton Rouge Parish that was followed,” George said. “We really don’t think that’s an issue. That wasn’t a concern. That’s a model that has been very successful.”

However, George said it’s time for the STEM School to secure its own principal for the 2019-20 school year, based on an anticipated influx of students.

“Looking at applications now, we’ll have over 500 kids there next year,” George said.

“It’s definitely time to place a principal there, but we have to bring it to the Board, and the Board has to make that decision.”

School Board president Patrick Sanders expects to learn more about hiring plans at the Feb. 7 School Board meeting, though he noted the discussion would likely take place in executive session, out of the public eye, “because of the sensitivity of personnel matters.”

Sanders said he was not told the reason behind Perry’s resignation.

However, he is confident the STEM program and Garyville Magnet are under capable leadership.

“From what I understand in terms of questions, me, as a board member, and other board members have asked; no, there hasn’t been any negative impact at all,” Sanders said. “Glenn Chenier was a former principal of Garyville, so the Superintendent thought he’s already familiar with the culture and climate to make an easier transition for that particular school. The same with Ms. Hughes, she was already there working with the STEM school.”

School Board member Gerald Keller has not heard any concerns from the community since Perry announced his resignation.

However, Keller is apprehensive about the School Board’s limited authority in personnel matters.

According to Keller, Louisiana Act One, passed in 2012, gives the superintendent full authority in personnel decisions.

“I understand an investigation went on and was undertaken by the Central Office,” Keller said.

“What they were investigating, I have no clue. What was the outcome of the investigation, I have no clue. We’re out in the cold. I’ve been part of a lot of administrative investigations, but that was the old way.”

Outside of his duties at Garyville Magnet, Perry was tabbed in 2018 to lead the School District’s new, flagship STEM program, which launched in August.

The program focuses on college preparatory mathematics, science and English language arts courses to serve students focused on a STEM career.

It also provides classes in career pathways such as digital design and pre-engineering.

The STEM program launched this academic year in Reserve on the River Road site of the old Leon Godchaux campus.

In its first year, 261 students in grades eighth through 10th were accepted. Grade levels will be increased by one each year until the program is a full 8th through 12th grade school.