By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU – (UPDATED 9:02 a.m.) After serving as Wausau School superintendent for seven years, Dr. Kathleen Williams will step down from her post in June, school officials said late Wednesday.
“Wausau is a wonderful community, and as one of the largest districts in the state we expect to attract highly qualified candidates,” said Lance Trollop, president of the Wausau School Board. Wausau is the 13th largest school district in the state.
Williams has served in the role since accepting the position in 2010. Williams previously served as superintendent of East Maine School District 63 in Des Plaines, Ill. She was paid an annual salary of $163,832 in the 2015-16 school year, according to a USA Today database of public school salaries.
In a letter to parents, Williams wrote:
I, personally, want to thank each of you for taking an active role in your child’s education and for participating in many community engagement opportunities offered to advance student learning, achievement, and success. Together, we accomplished a great deal, and I wish to highlight a few of these accomplishments of which you played an active role.
Convened a three-day Education Summit to determine the District’s future focus
Developed and approved a set of eight Shared Key Interests
Passed a $29.6 building referendum following a multi-year Facilities Utilization process
Adjusted elementary school boundaries to equalize enrollments based on recommendations from the Boundary Study Team
Hired new school leaders through a focus group process
Contributed to policy language for instruction
Williams advised the board of her retirement on Tuesday and discussed her departure with her administrative team on Wednesday. When Williams was originally hired, she told board members she planned to work six or seven years before her retirement and has worked seven, Trollop said.
“Her leadership will be greatly missed,” he said.
Members of the Wausau School Board will meet in the coming days to discuss the search for a new leader.
