Assistant principal takes over as interim principal
Arianna Peper
Editor-in-Chief
Interim Givens Elementary Principal Dwight Kirksey stands by Gray Wolves sign at Givens. Photo provided by Dwight Kirksey
“My goals are to lead instruction and impact culture with positivity and collaboration,” interim Givens Elementary principal Dwight Kirksey said via email about his role at Givens Elementary School.
On Wednesday, July 16, Webster Groves High School principal Tony Gragnani sent a message via ParentSquare announcing Kirksey would be serving as “interim principal at Givens Elementary, until further notice.”
Current Givens Elementary school principal Malissa Beecham has been placed on administrative leave.
According to Superintendent Dr. Jana Parker, “School Board Policy GCPD delegates to the superintendent the authority to suspend staff members or put them on administrative leave for any legal reason in accordance with district policy and law.”
Under administrative leave, an employee will be taken out of their position in situations “where the superintendent or designee determines that suspension is necessary to prevent disruption to the education environment, protect the safety of the students, appropriately investigate alleged misconduct, or in other circumstances where suspension serves the district’s interests,” Parker said via email.
Kirksey, who has been in the school district for over 20 years, will be the interim principal at Givens Elementary for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year.
Parker said, “Mr. Kirksey was selected to serve as interim principal because of his strong leadership experience, deep knowledge of our district (having spent two decades here), and trusted relationships with students, staff and families. His steady presence and commitment to fostering a positive school culture made him the right choice to provide stability during this transition year at Givens.”
About being given the role as interim principal at Givens, Kirksey said, “I love the Webster Groves School District, and I have been in this wonderful district for over 20 years. I am missing my wonderful high school students this year, but I am excited and enjoying working with our amazing students at Givens Elementary.”
Kirksey added that during the transition, he has not encountered any obstacles and has received a “very warm welcome” from the Givens community.
According to Parker, the hiring process for a new Givens Principal is set out to begin later this fall with the goal of having the position filled for the 2026-27 school year by the early months of 2026.
About the new hire, Parker said, “As with any new building administrator hire, we will engage staff, students and families in a series of meetings to identify the qualities and experiences most important in the next Givens principal. The input gathered will be used to create a principal profile, which will guide the job description and posting.”
While the district looks for a new hire, Kirksey will remain in the position for the full duration of the 2025-26 school year.
Parker said, “I want to emphasize how fortunate we are to have Mr. Kirksey serving as interim principal this year. His leadership, experience and deep care for students have provided stability and continuity for the Givens community. I am grateful for the warm partnership he has established with staff, students and families, which positions the school well as we prepare for the next chapter.”
“As a district, we remain committed to engaging the Givens community in this process and ensuring that the selection of the next principal reflects the voices and priorities of those we serve,” Parker added.
