Board of Education approves the hiring of two administrators

Posted on 04/25/2025

At its April 24 meeting, the Mehlville Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. David Quanz as Principal of Forder Elementary School and Carlos Espinosa as Assistant Principal of Mehlville High School.

Dr. David Quanz
Principal, Forder Elementary School
Dr. David Quanz is currently the Principal of Coleman Elementary School in the Meramec Valley R-III School District. He has almost 10 years of administrative experience at Meramec Valley, where he has also served as a curriculum director and professional development director. Previously, he was an assistant principal at The Hope Institute Learning Academy in Chicago. Additionally, he has served as a technology coordinator, second-grade teacher and technology resource teacher.

"Dr. Quanz has a wealth of knowledge and leadership in education, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Mehlville School District and Forder Elementary School,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Haug. “His strong instructional background and proven record of enhancing academic experiences for students will support continued growth and success at Forder Elementary.”

Dr. Quanz earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. John Fisher College, a Masters of Science in Educational Technology from Nazareth College, an Educational Specialist - Educational Administration and Leadership from National-Louis University and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Forder family and Mehlville community,” Dr. Quanz said. “I look forward to learning and growing alongside the Forder students, faculty and parents in the upcoming school year. I’m excited for the possibilities that await us!”

Dr. Quanz starts as Principal of Forder Elementary School on July 1, 2025. He replaces Dr. Whitney Maus who will serve as the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development next school year.

Carlos Espinosa
Assistant Principal, Mehlville High School
Carlos Espinosa is currently a Spanish Teacher at Wydown Middle School in the Clayton School District. In his five years at Clayton, he also served on various district and school committees, including the district and school professional development committee and the school leadership team. Prior to working in Clayton, Espinosa taught Spanish at Oakville High School.

“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Espinosa back to Mehlville School District as an assistant principal,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Haug. “As a passionate teacher-leader, he brings a fresh perspective, a strong commitment to supporting all students, and a deep appreciation for our diverse campus. His leadership style and classroom experience will complement and strengthen the incredible work already being done by the Mehlville High School team.”

Espinosa has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, a Master of Arts in Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

“It’s an honor to be back in the Mehlville School District,” Espinosa said. “The passion and pride that make Mehlville such a special place have been evident in the people I’ve had the privilege to get to know. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to join the leadership team at Mehlville High School, and I'm excited to be part of a team that is committed to a strong sense of community and student success. I look forward to building genuine, trusting relationships with students, staff, and the community to continue fostering a school culture where everyone feels supported and valued."

Espinosa will begin serving in his new role on July 1, 2025. He replaces Katie Hardrick who will serve as the Social Studies and Career and Technical Education Curriculum Director next school year.