Dr. Tarita Rhimes has been selected to be the next principal of Glenridge Elementary School. She replaces Beth Scott, who is retiring at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Dr. Rhimes was selected through a process that drew 28 candidates and involved extensive feedback from students, staff, parents and administrators.

“Dr. Rhimes is a passionate educator whose love for her students and her job can be seen in everything she does,” explained Clayton Superintendent Dr. Nisha Patel. “She is well-versed in her instructional practice and her experience in Clayton, at both the elementary and middle school levels, places her in an ideal position to lead the Glenridge community.” 

For the last five years, Dr. Rhimes has worked as an assistant principal at Wydown Middle School. Prior to that, she spent four years as an Educational Technology Specialist at Meramec Elementary School. Before coming to Clayton, she worked for five years in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Dr. Rhimes received her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Maryville University. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Educational Specialist Certification in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Computer Science with a Middle School certification from Alverno College.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the lead learner at Glenridge Elementary School and be a learning partner with our students, families and staff,” said Dr. Rhimes.  “I firmly believe that no matter where my students are academically, socially or emotionally, it is my responsibility to ensure they are loved, nurtured, valued and educated."

Dr. Rhimes will officially begin leading the Glenridge Elementary community on July 1. The District will begin the process of searching for a new assistant principal at Wydown Middle School immediately.