HHS principal set to retire, district names new principal

While Hahnville High School Principal Brian Lumar said he announced his retirement to the HHS faculty and staff a couple of weeks ago, today the news was made official with an email from St. Charles Parish Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling.

The principal at Hahnville High School since 2018, Lumar served as vice principal for five years at the school prior to his current position.

Lumar’s retirement letter in its entirety is as follows:

“Effective July 1, 2021, it is with heartfelt appreciation and pride that I retire from the St. Charles Parish Public School System. This decision has been made based on what I believe is in the best interest of my family and my future career endeavors. It allows me the chance to pursue professional opportunities aligned with my life work. Please know that under no circumstances was I forced to retire. The announcement to retire is presented without any coercion from the school system. Through the twenty years that I have served this school system and community, my commitment to enrich the lives of students enabling them to reach their educational goals has been unwavering.  My core business has always been teaching and learning, which has garnered tremendous respect from the entire faculty, staff, and student body.  My hard work, fueled with my insatiable desire to achieve, has contributed to the success, merit, and excellence of this organization. The recent allegations, which I vehemently deny, have compromised the perception of my character and integrity as an educational leader and person. While I continue to maintain my innocence, the decision to retire affords me, my family, the students I serve, and the school system clarity of future action and direction.”

The new HHS principal is Jose Gonzales.

According to his bio on the school district’s website, Gonzales has worked in St. Charles Parish Public Schools for over a decade as a high school Algebra I teacher, an assistant track and basketball coach, head cross country and indoor track coach, Staff Development Coordinator and assistant principal.