The Mehlville Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. Whitney Maus as the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development, and of Katie Hardrick as the K-12 Curriculum Director for Social Studies and Career and Technical Education. Additionally, the Special School District Board of Education has announced the hiring of Dr. Charity Schluter as the Director of Special Education for Mehlville School District.
Dr. Whitney Maus
Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development
Dr. Whitney Maus has served as the principal of Forder Elementary School for the past eight years. She began her career in the Mehlville School District as a teacher at Blades Elementary School in 2009. She has served as an assistant principal at Trautwein Elementary School, Point Elementary School and Margaret Buerkle Middle School.
“Dr. Maus is an unwavering advocate for teachers and students,” said Dr. Jeff Haug, Superintendent of Schools. “She’s a strategic thinker who values relationships, and she has experience implementing best practices in instruction. She will do an exceptional job of training and empowering our teachers in this new role.”
Dr. Maus, a graduate of Mehlville High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.
“I’m excited to continue fostering a culture of innovation within Mehlville School District’s teaching practices,” Dr. Maus said. “I’m eager to collaborate with our curriculum team and teaching staff to enhance student outcomes. Students thrive when teachers have the right professional development, and I’m excited to support them in that growth.”
Dr. Maus will begin serving in her new role on July 1, 2025.
Katie Hardrick
Director of Social Studies and Career Technical Education
Katie Hardrick has served as the assistant principal of Mehlville High School for the past four years, where she supervised secondary social studies, world language and cultures and English language development. She has also taught English language arts and social studies at Washington Middle School, third grade at MOSAIC Elementary School, and social studies at Oakville Middle School and Parkway Southwest Middle School.
“Mrs. Hardrick’s experience in social studies instruction, team leadership, and career pathway guidance makes her an excellent fit for this role,” said Dr. Jeff Haug, Superintendent. “She will be a strong leader for our social studies and career and technical education teachers.”
Hardrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri - Columbia, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Lindenwood University in Administration. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Instruction Leadership from Lindenwood University.
“I am excited to step into my new role as Mehlville School District's Director of Social Studies and Career and Technical Education,” Hardrick said. “I look forward to working alongside students, staff and the Mehlville community to create meaningful learning experiences that connect students with valuable partnerships, preparing them for a wide variety of career pathways and success beyond the classroom.”
Hardrick will begin serving in his new role on July 1, 2025. She replaces Sara Hermann, who will serve as the Director of English Language Arts starting July 1.
Dr. Charity Schluter
Special Education Director for Mehlville School District
Dr. Charity Schluter has held leadership positions as a special education coordinator in Mehlville School District, a principal in Lindbergh School District, an assistant principal and special education coordinator in Rockwood School District, and as a behavior specialist and special education teacher in the Fox C-6 School District. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Missouri Baptist University.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Schluter to the Mehlville School District leadership team,” said Dr. Jeff Haug, Superintendent of Schools. “She is a champion for students receiving special education services and is committed to ensuring every student can thrive in our schools.”
Dr. Schluter has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master of Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University, and a Doctor of Education from Missouri Baptist University.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next Special Education Director for Mehlville School District,” Dr. Schluter said. “I have seen firsthand how truly exceptional the special education staff in Mehlville are. I am confident that together we will continue to open doors for our students to reach new heights both in academics and in life.”
Dr. Schluter will begin serving in her new role on July 1, 2025. She replaces Kim Lawson, who is retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.