On Wednesday, February 28, the Ladue Schools Board of Education approved the recommendation of Thomas Devitt, Ed.D., to serve as the new Principal of Conway Elementary School, effective July 1, 2024.

“We were very fortunate to have several highly qualified candidates apply for this position, which made this a difficult decision, but we are thrilled that Dr. Thomas Devitt has accepted this important role in our district and the Conway community,” said Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke. 

Devitt has more than a decade of educational experience, which includes teaching English Language Arts (ELA) for seven years as a middle school teacher at Lift for Life Academy (LFLA). After his students earned the highest growth and achievement on state-level tests, he served as Academic Instructional Coach for three years, supporting other teachers' growth and development. Devitt was named LFLA 2016 District Teacher of the Year due to his students’ demonstrated growth. While serving as building principal, he helped the district earn its highest-ever Annual Performance Report, a school report card.

In 2019, Dr. Devitt was appointed as the new founding elementary principal for LFLA. In this capacity, Dr. Devitt was responsible for staffing the building, budgeting, mission and vision work, facilities, parent and community engagement, and so much more.  

Devitt earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University in 2023. He holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Saint Louis University. He is a husband and father of two daughters.

“I am very excited about Dr. Devitt's hiring,” said Dr. Wipke. “Given his background and many accomplishments, I have total confidence that by working with the amazing staff at Conway and the supportive community, he will make an indelible mark on the school in no time and for many years to come. Special thanks to Interim Principal Lisa Sell and Assistant Principal Dr. Laila Crabtree for their leadership during the 2023-24 school year.” 

To ensure a seamless transition for students and staff, district administrators will implement a transition plan for Dr. Thomas Devitt, including several meet-and-greet opportunities.