CHARLOTTE — Ardrey Kell High School is on the hunt for its third principal in three years.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced on Wednesday that Principal Susan Willis is retiring Nov. 1.
Willis cited family reasons in a message to parents.
Willis faced controversy early on after a student painted the Spirit Rock to honor late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The school painted over the tribute, saying it was unauthorized.
The student later sued and settled with CMS.
Willis was hired after former Principal Jamie Brooks was suddenly suspended and retired.
The Charlotte Observer spoke with one Ardrey Kell parent who is tired of the turnover, saying, “We’re upset. We’re disappointed. We’re frustrated. It just seems like that’s the way things go with Ardrey Kell now.”
The school says it plans to hold meetings with families to learn what they want to see in a new principal.