Principals Petrus and Edwards Retire as Investigations into Bruce Smith Case Continue

The two school principals placed on leave late last year amid an internal investigation into the handling of child sex abuse allegations against former Charlotte Amalie High School track coach Bruce Smith have officially retired.

“As a result of the investigation and the facts revealed, personnel changes have been implemented within the Department to ensure the integrity, accountability, and effectiveness of our operations. While specific details regarding these changes cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality protections under the collective bargaining agreement, we want to assure the public that decisive action has been taken to address this matter responsibly,” according to an Education email to the Source.

VIDE has confirmed that CAHS principal April Petrus retired effective Jan. 16 while Alcede Edwards, a former CAHS principal who had most recently been serving at the Edith Williams Alternative Academy, retired effective Dec. 16, 2024, as the internal investigation was ongoing. Sources speaking on condition of anonymity but close to the matter confirmed that both had been recommended for termination.