March 13, 2006	Volume 5, Number 8

AWSA, DPI recognize four principals of the year

Elizabeth Burmaster, state superintendent of public instruction, and Thomas Beattie, executive director for the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), announced the names of four principals chosen as 2006 Wisconsin Principals of the Year.

Principals of the Year are selected for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the education of children of Wisconsin. They are:

• Santa Consiglio, Honey Creek Continuous Progress School, Milwaukee;
• Barbara Dougal, Parker High School, Janesville;
• Mark Hansen, Waukesha South High School; and
• Patricia Polczynski, Templeton Middle School, Sussex.

“Principals are the standard bearers for their schools,” Burmaster said, “setting the climate and expectations for academic success for both staff and students. Their enthusiasm for educating all children, coupled with high standards for academic achievement, help our efforts to close the achievement gap. These four Principals of the Year are representative of the many fine administrators who lead public schools in our state.”

“We know, and recent research shows, the significant impact that school principals have on student learning. We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize these fine educators and the important work that Wisconsin principals do to help all our students be their best,” said Beattie.

To be selected as a Principal of the Year, principals must be nominated by their colleagues for achievements above and beyond the usual school program. They must maintain high expectations of staff, show evidence of outstanding contributions to their school and their profession, and be an established and respected member of the community.

Elementary Principal of the Year Santa Consiglio

It was through Consiglio’s “savvy forward-thinking” and “risk taking” that Honey Creek became a charter school. According to her colleagues, Consiglio is a “shrewd problem-solver who manages the school operations with the acumen of a CEO running a fortune 500 company.” Victor Brazil, administrative specialist, knows that Consiglio “adds value to the lives of the children and the community that she serves.” Audrey Potter, psychologist, says that, “making connections that last is one of Santa Consiglio’s special gifts.” Community volunteers, parents and families of past and present students, and family members of staff continue to volunteer weekly to tutor the children and assist the classroom teachers.

Assistant Principal of the Year Barbara Dougal

Known throughout the Parker High School community as someone who is thoughtful, honest, caring, respectful, organized, and creative, Dougal always exhibits impeccable professionalism and a positive attitude. She encourages and personally supports professional growth and development among teachers, and she maintains a high level of involvement and genuine interest for the students. In the words of Terri Schultz of Mercy Health System, “Barb is an excellent role model for anyone who has ever had the opportunity to interact with her.”

High School Principal of the Year Mark Hansen

Hansen is known throughout the South High School community as a humble leader with impeccable relationship and collaboration skills. As an instructional leader, teachers appreciate his use of school performance data and his commitment to meaningful professional development activities. During his tenure, South has significantly raised student achievement and lowered student truancy. Math Teacher Kathy Stonitsch called Hansen a “life changer” and the fundamental reason Waukesha South High School staff are working “together to help kids learn more.” Hansen “will fight for what is right for kids regardless of risk to his own career,” she said.

Middle School Principal of the Year Patricia Polczynski

Polczynski’s tremendous use of data to support continuous improvement; strong knowledge-base in curriculum, instruction and assessment; and her ability to embed professional development into the daily lives of the teachers contribute to her great instructional leadership skills. She also is recognized for her ability to empower teachers and students of the Templeton Middle School community and include them in the participatory decision-making process. District Administrator Kathleen Cooke said, “Templeton Middle School is a learning community due to Polczynski’s foresight and leadership.” Parent Sue Posh contends that Polczynski “is professional, yet approachable; articulate and well-informed, but willing to listen; and she continues to demonstrate strong leadership qualities.”

Consiglio will serve as Wisconsin’s representative to the National Distinguished Principals Program, sponsored jointly by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, with corporate partnership by Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company. The National Distinguished Principals of the Year program will be held in fall in Washington, D.C.

Polczynski and Hansen will be honored by MetLife, an insurance company, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) at the annual NASSP Principal’s Institute and Awards Banquet, also held in Washington, D.C. Dougal will be honored at the Assistant Principal’s Forum and Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C., sponsored by NASSP and Virco, an educational furniture manufacturer. She was recently recognized at the AWSA Assistant Principals Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

The other three administrators will be recognized at their respective AWSA workshops and conferences in January and February, 2007. The Wisconsin Principal of the Year program is supported at the state level by MEEMIC Insurance Company.

Last updated on 3/13/2006