Meet Our Administration

Mr. Edward LaRose

Principal

Hello and welcome! I’m Ed LaRose IV, proud Principal of Weeki Wachee High School and Lead Principal for Hernando County’s high schools. My journey in education began in the classroom as a mathematics teacher, where I discovered the power of connection and consistency in helping students thrive. I still remember the excitement of launching community boot camp nights to prepare students for state exams—local businesses donated food and time, and our students showed up eager to succeed. That spirit of collaboration has stayed with me ever since.

At Weeki Wachee High, we’ve built a culture of innovation and opportunity. We’ve introduced two new Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs—Future Educators and Entrepreneurship—to give students real-world pathways to success. We’ve also pioneered an extended planning schedule for teachers in state-tested subjects, offering up to three hours of focused planning time monthly. This initiative has been so effective that other schools in the district are now adopting it.

One of my proudest moments was launching Hernando County’s first high school Bass Fishing Club—a simple idea that turned into a meaningful way for students to connect with nature, each other, and their school. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring three principals and supporting leadership development across our district.

Our campus is currently undergoing a major transformation, with new buildings and a full redesign to support both our high school and the additional school on site. It’s a reflection of our commitment to growth—not just in infrastructure, but in mindset and mission.

As an adjunct instructor at Saint Leo University, I continue to support aspiring educators, sharing lessons from the field and helping them prepare for the challenges and rewards of teaching. Whether I’m coaching my son’s flag football team or serving on district committees, I bring the same energy and dedication to every role I take on.

Weeki Wachee High is more than a school—it’s a community. I’m honored to lead it, and I look forward to continuing our work together to inspire, empower, and achieve.

Mrs Mildred Murrman-Dudley

Assistant Principal

Mildred Murrman-Dudley is a dedicated educational leader with a career spanning over 25 years in service to children and students. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence, student development, and a collaborative school culture.

Mrs. Murrman-Dudley holds a bachelor’s degree in education and two Master of Education degrees—one in Educational Leadership and another in Curriculum and Instruction. Her professional journey includes roles as a child development center director, classroom teacher, dean of students, and currently, high school assistant principal. Each of these roles has strengthened her passion for supporting young people in their academic and personal growth.

Known for her student-centered and collaborative approach, Mrs. Murrman-Dudley believes in the power of open communication, high expectations, and strong relationships within the school community. She is committed to cultivating resilience in students and fostering a shared vision for success rooted in proactive leadership and interdependence.

Ms Brandy Sladek

Assistant Principal

Brandy Sladek is a dedicated educational leader with over 15 years of experience in the Hernando County School District. Currently serving as the Assistant Principal at Weeki Wachee High School, she brings a strong background in instructional leadership, assessment coordination, and student advocacy.

Brandy began her career in education as a Social Studies teacher, serving students from grades 6 through 12 with a focus on differentiated instruction and academic growth. She also taught PE and HOPE courses through Hernando e-School, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to student wellness and achievement.

Her leadership journey includes roles such as Social Studies Department Chair, Student Government Association Sponsor, Junior Class Sponsor, and member of multiple district and school-based committees. She has contributed to curriculum development, equity initiatives, and teacher mentorship programs, including serving as a CET-certified mentor.

Brandy holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Cloud State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also earned her Educational Leadership Certification from the American College of Education.

Mr. Kevin Bittinger

Assistant Principal

Mr. Kevin Bittinger brings over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and athletics to his role as Assistant Principal at Weeki Wachee High School. A dedicated educator and leader, Mr. Bittinger began his career in 2000 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Bowling Green State University. He later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University in 2024.

Throughout his career in Hernando County Public Schools, Mr. Bittinger has served in a variety of impactful roles. At Hernando High School, he was an ESE Resource Room and Co-teacher, U.S. History Teacher, and ESE Department Chair. He also served as Athletic Director and coached multiple varsity sports, including softball, basketball, and golf—leading teams to numerous district and regional championships. Mr. Bittinger earned over 300 wins as a softball coach, as well as coaching two of his softball teams to State Runner-Up finishes.

As Dean of Students at Parrott Middle School, Mr. Bittinger implemented effective behavior interventions, reducing major and minor discipline referrals significantly.

Mr. Bittinger is passionate about student success, staff collaboration, and fostering a positive school environment. His leadership is grounded in strong communication and a commitment to excellence in both academics and extracurricular programs.