Cale Bushman named Interim Superintendent of Wausau School District

Wausau Pilot & review

One week after the application period for the next superintendent closed, the Wausau School Board on Friday named Cale Bushman interim superintendent. He will take over the role in July.

According to a statement from the district, the Wausau School Board made the decision during a special meeting on Thursday. Bushman is director of Pupil Services in Wausau.

“The Board of Education unanimously supports Mr. Bushman’s promotion to superintendent and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity starting in July,” Board Vice President Lance Trollop said. “Mr. Bushman’s educational experience and commitment to advancing student learning, achievement, and success make him the perfect fit for this role.” 

With this decision, Trollop added, the ongoing superintendent search has ended. Communications Coordinator Diana White said Bushman will serve as superintendent for the entire 2024-2025 school year.

Superintendent Keith Hilts will retire after the academic year concludes.

The search for the next superintendent kicked off in January. That involved soliciting input from the community, including district staff, students, and parents as well as feedback from a number of focus groups.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the next leader of the Wausau School District following the retirement of Dr. Keith Hilts,” Bushman said. “As a long time member of the Wausau community, and a proud parent to three daughters who have all received exceptional educations through the district, I have seen first hand how fortunate we are to have such wonderful schools in our community.”

Bushman has an extensive background in education spanning more than 20 years, most of which have been spent in the Wausau School District, according to the district statement. In addition to serving as the Director of Pupil Services, he was also principal of Wausau East High School, principal of Eau Claire North High School, former Associate Principal of Pupil Services at Wausau West High School, as well as having experience as a Special Education teacher and coach.