Paxton Keeley Elementary School principal announces retirement

The principal of Columbia’s Mary Paxton Keeley Elementary School will retire at the end of the month.

Elaine Hassemer announced her retirement from Columbia Public Schools on Tuesday after serving 33 years with the district.

In a statement, Hassemer said she will become the principal of Columbia Catholic School this fall.

CPS said Adrienne Patton, the current assistant principal at Derby Ridge Elementary School, will become the interim principal at Paxton Keeley.