2007 Wisconsin Principals of the Year Announced

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster and Thomas Beattie, executive director for the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), announced the names of four principals chosen as 2007 Wisconsin Principals of the Year. They are selected for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the education of the children of Wisconsin. The Principal of the Year Selection Committee is made up of representatives from AWSA, the Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin PTA, and a former National Distinguished Principal.

The 2007 Principals of the Year are:

• M. Lourdes Castillo Uribe, Vieau Elementary School, Milwaukee
• Lawrence J. Haase, Menasha High School
• Michael J. Kruse, associate principal, Verona Area High School
• Mark Rollefson, Jefferson Middle School.

“Principals have one of the hardest jobs in society today,” Burmaster said. “They work daily to build a safe and educationally sound school climate that includes high expectations for both staff and students. They share responsibility for the success of every student, which is critical in 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.” “School principals have a significant impact on student learning,” Beattie said. “It is important that we recognize strong educational leaders and highlight the vital work that Wisconsin principals do to help all our students achieve.”

Last updated on 2/19/2007