ST. LOUIS — Maggie Sullivan was the first official president of Rosati-Kain Academy and stepped into the role May 1, 2023. After a year in the leadership position, Sullivan stepped down after an announcement on Monday.
Sullivan became the leader of the all-girls Catholic school, formerly known as Rosati-Kain High School, after it became independent from the Archdiocese of St. Louis last year.
This week, Rosati-Kain Academy Board of Directors sent a letter to faculty, staff, students and alumnae.
In the letter it said, "Dr. Maggie Sullivan is stepping away from her role with RKA. We are grateful for Maggie’s service and thank her for her work in establishing the new Rosati‐Kain Academy as a school of choice for our best and brightest young women. We are excited for the new school year and look forward to everyone’s success."
It continued by saying the Board of Directors was thankful for her service and would immediately begin searching for a permanent president.
The announcement was made as students return on Aug. 15 for the first day of school.
Board of Trustees Chair Michelle Martin Bonner said Sullivan was leaving for personal reasons and to focus on her family.
Bonner told 5 On Your Side that RK Academy will be using a search firm and hoping to have a new hire in 90 days.
"We are strong and we are in good hands. The leadership team is amazing and intact," Bonner said, "Principal (Masa Massenburg), an RK alum, is doing great and handling, managing and leading."
Sullivan has 25 years of educational experience under her belt.
Before coming to RK Academy, Sullivan was the assistant principal of mission at St. Joseph’s Academy.
Sullivan took over as president after the 112-year-old school was notified in 2022 that it would be forced to close as part of the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ "All Things New" consolidation plan.
Alumnae and students launched a campaign to save the school, and in Dec. 2022 the Rosati-Kain reached a three-year lease agreement with the Archdiocese to stay open under a new name and sponsorship with St. Joseph Educational Ministries.
On July 1, 2023, Rosati-Kain Academy transitioned from the Archdiocese as an independent school. RKA is the only independent all-girls Catholic school in the city limits of St. Louis.