The Hamilton School District released on Thursday the names of three finalists for superintendent to replace Kathleen Cooke, Ph.D., who will retire at the end of June.
The finalists are: Paul Mielke, Ph.D., Templeton Middle School principal in the Hamilton School District; Dana Monogue, Ph.D., assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Elmbrook School District; and Lisa Olson, Ph.D., district administrator for Hartford Union High School.
The School Board reviewed applications and selected seven candidates to interview on Feb. 8 and 10. Sixteen candidates from Wisconsin and across the country completed the application.
The finalists will be interviewed again by the board Feb. 17 after meeting with employee and community representatives who will provide feedback regarding each candidate.
To help conduct the search, the School Board hired James Rickabaugh, Ph.D., who has worked with the district on its strategic and tactical planning, to coach them through the selection process. Prior to selection of candidates and interviews, the district conducted survey and focus groups with staff, parents, community members and business representative to identify the qualities desired in the new superintendent.
“We were fortunate to have a strong pool of candidates for the superintendent position,” School Board President Gabe Kolesari said. “We are excited about the group of finalists chosen and we believe that they reflect the superintendent profile created with input from staff and the community.”
The School Board will announce the new superintendent in early March.