Cape Girardeau's middle school principal has resigned.

According to district superintendent Dr. Jim Welker, the school board approved the resignation of Mark Kiehne on Friday. The resignation is effective immediately. Welker said the resignation is voluntary.

"His reason given is to pursue other interests," Welker said.

Kiehne was placed on administrative leave by the district last week. Welker has said the reason for putting him on leave is not available because personnel issues are confidential.

The board entered into an agreement with Kiehne that ends his contract, which was set to expire at the end of the school year, and will pay him for accumulated sick days. Kiehne was hired as the middle school's principal in 2007.

Assistant middle school principal Rex Crosnoe will serve as the building's interim principal while the district conducts a search for a new principal. Welker said he estimates the search will begin around the first of the year. Pat Fanger, retired assistant superintendent of the district, has been hired to fill in for the assistant principal. Fanger has prior experience as a principal in St. Louis area schools.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO