New Leadership for the 26-27 School Year

Dr. Derrick Mitchell

Principal, McCluer High School

Dr. Derrick Mitchell has been named principal of McCluer High School, beginning July 1. He currently serves as the assistant dean in the College of Education at Harris-Stowe State University. Before joining Harris-Stowe, he served as a network superintendent in St. Louis Public Schools, supervising five high schools ranked in the top 21% of high schools in Missouri, including Metro, Collegiate, McKinley, Central Visual and Performing Arts, and Clyde Miller.

Dr. Mitchell previously served as director of alternative services in St. Louis Public Schools and served as head principal at Hazelwood Central High School, Normandy High School, and Vashon High School. While at Normandy, he led efforts that increased the high school’s APR points from 7.5 in 2014 to 76.5 in 2016. His career reflects a consistent focus on school turnaround and improving outcomes for students.

“In my research of Dr. Mitchell, everyone said the same thing — he is truly a turnaround specialist,” said Superintendent Dr. Fields. “When you combine that with the feedback from McCluer students, staff, and families, it was clear this is the type of leader they were asking for. We are excited for him to bring his leadership to McCluer.”

Dr. Mitchell holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in district leadership, along with an educational specialist degree in urban leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He also earned a master’s degree in school administration with an emphasis on principal leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, a master’s degree in computer education from Fontbonne University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Harris-Stowe State University.

“I hope to bring steady, student-centered leadership grounded in trust, high expectations, and genuine partnership with the community,” said Dr. Mitchell. “My goal is to create an environment where educators feel supported and students feel challenged, safe, and inspired to succeed.”

He shared that he has a commitment to strong instructional practices, including clear systems that promote consistency across the school. His belief is that sustainable improvement happens when educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work for students.

Dr. Patricia Wilson

Executive Director of Support Services

Dr. Patricia Wilson has been selected as executive director of support services, beginning July 1. Dr. Wilson currently serves as principal of Ladue Fifth Grade Center in the Ladue School District since 2019, a school Niche ranks as the #2 public elementary school in Missouri and #2 in the St. Louis area. Prior to her role at Ladue, she served as a principal in the Hazelwood School District and has held positions as an assistant principal and an instructional specialist. She also served as a school guidance counselor in Hazelwood for nearly eight years. Dr. Wilson began her career in education as a classroom teacher at Griffith Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

“Dr. Wilson’s counseling background, her track record as an administrator, and her ability to build strong relationships are what set her apart,” said Superintendent Dr. Fields. “ We are excited to welcome Dr. Wilson back to Ferguson-Florissant."

She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration and a master’s degree in school counseling from Lindenwood University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri.

"It is with immense gratitude that I embrace the opportunity to serve the Ferguson-Florissant School District in this vital leadership capacity,” said Dr. Wilson. “To be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and supporting the students, educators, and families of this remarkable community is a distinct privilege that I do not take lightly. I am so excited to return to the school community where my educational journey began.”

Dr. Robyn Haug

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Robyn Haug has been selected as the executive director of curriculum and instruction, beginning July 1. She currently serves as the director of assessment and professional learning in the School District of Clayton. Before joining Clayton, she worked as an instructional coach in the Ladue School District and previously taught English Language Arts in the Brentwood School District. Dr. Haug began her teaching career as a classroom teacher at Berkeley Middle School in Ferguson-Florissant School District.

“Dr. Haug’s extensive experience in professional learning, as well as the fact that she was excited and up to the challenge, was impressive,” said Superintendent Dr. Fields. “When you combine this with her starting her career in the district and being well aware of our challenges, we are excited for the work she will embrace and lead for all students and staff.”

Having been a classroom teacher for 20 years, she brings a deep understanding of teaching and learning.

“I began my career in the Ferguson-Florissant School District at Berkeley Middle School, and I am excited to come full circle and return to the incredible students and staff that make the district so special,” Dr. Haug said. “I am humbled by this opportunity and will work every day to create innovative and equitable opportunities for all of our kids. I can't wait to get started."

Dr. Haug earned both her doctorate and master’s degree in educational leadership from Maryville University. She holds an additional master’s degree from Lindenwood University and a master’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Truman State University.

Teisha Ashford

Chief of Schools

Ms. Teisha Ashford has been selected as the Chief of Schools, beginning July 1. She currently serves as the principal of Pattonville High School in the Pattonville School District. Before this role, she served for five years as the district’s director of student services and previously worked as an assistant principal at Pattonville Heights Middle School. She also served as principal at Holman Middle School for eight years. Prior to her administrative roles, she was a middle and high school science teacher and started her career in the Hazelwood School District. She brings extensive experience that spans both building-level and district-level leadership.

“Ms. Ashford’s experience at both the district and building levels stood out,” said Superintendent Dr. Fields. “She embraces the challenge of developing and supporting all of her building leaders, and her willingness to embrace the challenges of the role were impressive.”

She holds a master’s degree in education and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

"I am excited to join the Ferguson-Florissant School District for the opportunity to partner with schools and the communities they serve to create and strengthen learning environments to support all students and staff to be successful,” said Ms. Ashford. “I look forward to working collaboratively to support high-quality instruction and strong school leadership across the district.”

These four leaders, combined with the fantastic leaders, educators, staff, and students already in our district, are a major step in the right direction,” said Superintendent Dr. Fields.

Please join us in welcoming these leaders to their new positions and wishing them much success in the next school year as we serve our students, families, and our school community.