The Hamilton School Board approved the hiring of Katie Ritchie as Maple Avenue Elementary School principal at its June 29 meeting. Ritchie replaces Kristin Koeper-Hamblin, who announced her retirement after 19 years as Maple Avenue principal. She will begin her new position July 1.
Ritchie is a familiar face in the Hamilton School District. She joined the district in 2007 as a third-grade teacher at Marcy Elementary School, where in 2016, she was named part-time associate principal. As the first associate principal at Silver Spring Intermediate School, she was pivotal in the opening of the new school in the 2019-20 school year.
Ritchie earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in 2006 and taught second grade for one year in Monterey, Calif., before returning to Wisconsin. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2012 from Cardinal Stritch University.
“Ms. Ritchie is an experienced teacher and administrator known for her compassion for children and a commitment to their success,” said Hamilton Superintendent Paul Mielke, Ph.D. “She will foster an environment where students, families, staff and community feel welcome.”
“Maple Avenue Elementary School will be well-served under her leadership,” he said.