CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hopewell High School principal LeDuan Pratt resigned "effective immediately" on Tuesday, a week-and-a-half after being suspended with pay, just days before classes were set to begin, a spokesperson for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools confirmed to WCNC Charlotte.
CMS didn't shared the reason for the suspension because it is "related to matters of personnel."
Here is the original message sent to Hopewell families:
"In order to keep you informed we wanted to let you know that Principal Pratt is currently out. Mr. Mike Turner, retired high school principal, will be on campus to support and start the school year. We look forward to seeing you later today at our open house and wish you a great start to the new school year."
Retired high school principal Mike Turner filled in for Pratt as school kicked off on Monday.
Then on Wednesday, the school sent out another note:
This communication serves as an important announcement to our school community to provide you with an important update regarding Hopewell High School. We are excited to announce Mr. James Vanosdall as the new Hopewell Principal. Principal Vanosdall currently serves as the principal at Bradley Middle School. Principal Vanosdall is a former Hopewell AP/staff member and is excited to return. He will officially begin at Hopewell Tuesday, Sept 3rd. This assignment is due to Principal Pratt’s resignation. We will be in contact soon with opportunities to meet and welcome Principal Vanosdall. Please see the Welcome Letter from Principal Vanosdall. As always, we appreciate your support of Hopewell High School.
Pratt was principal of Garinger High School in 2022 before starting his time at Hopewell.