Do people really read the non-headline grabbing, run-of-the-mill, feel good, non-controversial stories concerning education in Waukesha?
This question begs for a different answer then the one I will presumably receive. My work as a Board member with the Waukesha Education Foundation as well as numerous other volunteer positions within organizations supporting our School District obviously makes me a target for criticism when things go awry. It sometimes feels as if some people experience a joyful glee in verbally “piling-on” to missteps by our School Board and District Administration. Yes, these human beings can be occasionally guilty of mistakes and errors in judgment. They would admit to this. But do they deserve the nasty headlines and public scorn when often, but not always, they are juggling the needs of the students against the need for a responsible tax rate?
Well sit up and heap praise upon the School District, the Board, and one very talented Waukesha South high school principal, Mr. Mark Hansen. Mark has recently been named a finalist for
National Principal of the Year!Hats off to our School Board whose policies empower the District Administration to make critical placements like a high school principal without meddling and micro-managing!
Kudos to the District Administration that recognized Mark’s burgeoning talents and matched him (at a very young age) to an environment where they would best serve the students and our Community!
And please join me in roundly congratulating Mr. Mark Hansen. He would graciously accept “congrats”, but he would also immediately follow that with – “there’s still a lot more we can do for the kids.” And his graciousness is totally sincere. Mark Hansen’s
”Glass of Water” is eternally full with the next progressive program, the next student recognition, the next motivational tool for his staff, the next concept where student, teacher, and community all benefit.
My own District experiences have brought me into contact with literally hundreds of teachers as well as the Administration. The closer I worked with them, the more I realized the great majority really care and are impassioned to educate our children well.
Given my first-hand, personal experiences, it is particularly gratifying to see Mark’s work recognized on a much larger stage. Earlier this year, he was named a
State Principal of the Year. His selection as a National Finalist now validates the phenomenal efforts Mark has put forth on behalf of South High. Mark’s selection has also brought well-deserved attention to the Waukesha District which has served as an incubator for his many initiatives. He is an overachiever’s overachiever!
Thanks, Mr. Mark Hansen, and good luck when the final votes are tallied! You are deserving of the plaudits and we all congratulate you and your ever-growing family
(Are you planning your next child already?). So much good work in such a short time…Truly, your story is one deserving of a blaring, feel-good headline.
