Wausau School Board Discusses Survey Results Regarding Superintendent Search

Friday, February 16th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Wausau School Board met in a special session on Thursday to hear the results of recent surveys and focus groups regarding desired characteristics and qualities in the next Superintendent.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, those findings came from more than 1,100 surveys, most of which were completed by parents and staff. Around 280 surveys also came in from community members.

Results showed all three groups were in agreement in five of the seven categories included in the survey. Everyone agreed that the district needs an honest and ethical leader who can engage with the community and collaborate with other leaders.

The groups also agreed that recruiting and retaining staff is the biggest challenge that the district is currently facing. Areas where the groups split included the strength of the district. Parents and community members said that’s academic achievement.

Staffers think the district is best known for its professional staff, with academic achievement coming in second. The other split came in the specialized areas category. Parents and community members want a leader who will be an advocate for children.

Staffers are looking for someone who can recruit and maintain staff, with child advocacy a close second. Many of those themes were also presented in the 17-page focus group results document.

Characteristics like trust, listening, collaborative, and community-oriented were mentioned by most groups. A consultant from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards presented the results.

The board then went into a closed session to discuss what questions they would like to ask candidates based on the results. The position has already been posted and applications will be accepted through March 15th.

The board plans to conduct interviews between late March and early April, and then name the next leader by the end of April. Current Superintendent Keith Hilts will retire at the end of June, ending a six-year run with the district.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.