Wilson High families were stunned to get a mysterious message last week that their principal was gone. The message merely said he was "out of office" and didn't explain if he would be back.

He won't be.

Principal Brian Chatard told families via email Thursday that he has resigned. He apologized for the confusion his absence created and said his departure is for personal reasons. He blamed the toll of the "24/7 life of a principal" but also wrote it is "important for me to acknowledge and take responsibility for my recent lapse in judgment."

He gave no details on what that lapse in judgment was.

"(Portland Public Schools) has accepted Mr. Chatard's resignation, and his statement speaks for itself," district spokesman Harry Esteve said. "While we cannot share specific details about his lapse in judgment, it is important to know that this did not involve a student. (Portland Public Schools) has an expectation for leaders to exhibit a high standard of professionalism and judgment. The search for Mr. Chatard's replacement will begin immediately to secure a strong leader for Wilson as soon as possible."

Esteve would not explain what exactly bars the district from providing details about the lapse in judgment.

"We do have a commitment to transparency," Esteve said. "But we also do have to recognize that there are some privacy concerns for our employees as an employer."

— Bethany Barnes

Got a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Bethany: bbarnes@oregonian.com