Wausau School Superintendent Retiring at the End of this School Year

Friday, December 22nd, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Wausau School Superintendent Keith Hilts will retire at the end of the current school term, according to Mike Leischner with WSAU.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the incredible staff, students, families, community members, and Board of Education members I have worked with and met during my time in this amazing school district community,” said Dr. Hilts.

“While I look forward to retirement, there is still much work to be done in the 2023-24 school year. My commitment will continue to be doing everything I can to lead this school district effectively and keeping our collective focus on student learning and growth.”

Hilts added that he would have no further comment at this time, and has declined all interviews for now. It’s unclear if the Board has a plan in place for an interim Superintendent, but they did confirm that they will begin a search effort immediately.

Hilts joined the Wausau School District in 2018 after serving as Superintendent of schools for Ashland. His last day in Wausau will be June 30th. He guided the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped pass referendums for building upgrades and staffing.

He’s also been at the forefront of the recent effort to restructure the district, which originally called for a one high school, two-campus format. That effort was walked back after it was discovered that there wouldn’t be enough science lab space to support that idea. Instead, leaders will be focusing on a possible restructuring or downsizing of the district’s 13 elementary schools.

Board members instructed Hilts and the rest of the administration team to explore hiring a demographer to help with that process during Monday’s special board meeting. Following that decision, the board went into a closed session and accepted Hilts’ retirement.

Board President Jim Bouche confirmed the news in an email to district parents Tuesday morning: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Dr. Hilts for his outstanding leadership of the Wausau School District over the past six years."

"His steadfast commitment to our students, families, staff, and community have led our district through some difficult times, and he has always kept the focus on student learning and growth. We appreciate all he has done for our schools."

"Dr. Hilts will continue to serve as superintendent through June 30, 2024. In the meantime, the board will immediately begin the process of searching for and hiring our next superintendent."

"We wish Dr. Hilts the very best as he takes the next step, and we look forward to identifying the next leader of the Wausau School District. Thank you for your attention to this update.”

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