WRPS Board Names Ronald Rasmussen as Next Superintendent
After conducting finalist interviews, the WRPS Board of Education has announced the selection of Ronald Rasmussen to serve as the next WRPS Superintendent.
Board President John Krings stated, “We are extremely pleased to name Ronald Rasmussen as our next Superintendent! The Board believes that Mr. Rasmussen’s collaborative, visionary leadership style and deep passion for public education will have a positive impact on student achievement and success in our district. His strong community ties will continue to assist the District in expanding partnerships that are built on trust and transparency. While this will be a new role with expanded responsibilities for Mr. Rasmussen, it will also be an opportunity for the Board to work closely with him to develop and leverage his skills for the benefit of the organization and all stakeholders. Lastly, the Board appreciates the feedback and participation received from multiple stakeholders throughout the search process. We hope you’ll join us in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Rasmussen as he becomes the next WRPS Superintendent!”
Excited for the opportunity, Mr. Rasmussen commented, “I am humbled and honored to serve as the next leader of WRPS! As a long-time member of the Wisc. Rapids community and a proud parent of a son and daughter who have received exceptional educational experiences here, I have seen first-hand how fortunate we are to have such amazing schools in our community. I am committed to continuously developing our great schools through strong relationships with, and among, our School Board, staff members, parents, and students. Additionally, I am excited to engage community members, local businesses and non-profit organizations, and higher educational partners in developing and maintaining a top notch school system. I look forward to working collaboratively with all of our stakeholders to create a long-term vision for our school district that’s built upon integrity, transparency, and trust.”
Ronald Rasmussen’s contract was officially approved by the Board on May 6, 2024, and he will begin his Superintendent duties on July 1, 2024 to replace Craig Broeren, who is assuming the Superintendent position at St. Croix Falls School District.
WRPS Board Announces Superintendent Position Finalists
The WRPS Board of Education announced they have narrowed their search down to two finalists for the position of Superintendent. The candidates were selected from a slate of qualified candidates and through an initial interview process.
Dr. Jo-Ellen Fairbanks-Schutz, Superintendent of Luxemburg-Casco School District and Ronald Rasmussen, Principal of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, will be moving on to participate in a final interview round with a diverse selection panel consisting of the Board, administrators, staff members, parents, and community members.
Jo-Ellen Fairbanks-Schutz holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Education - Interdisciplinary Curriculum & Instruction degree from National-Louis University in Wheeling, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition to serving as a Superintendent in Luxemburg-Casco, Dr. Fairbanks-Schutz has served as Superintendent in the Cochrane-Fountain City School District, Principal of Portage Academy of Achievement and Associate Principal of Portage High School, Associate Dean of General Education/Business at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Supervisor of Secondary Curriculum at the School District of Beloit, and Director of Instructional Programs and Professional Development at CESA 9 in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.
Ronald Rasmussen holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Marian University, a Bachelor of Arts in History, Political Science, and Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and is currently working on his Education Specialist in Educational Administration - Superintendent degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Mr. Rasmussen is currently serving as Principal of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, and has held the positions of Principal at Mauston High School, Associate Principal at Reedsburg Area High School, and Social Studies Instructor at Reedsburg Area High School.
The Board hopes to select a final candidate to extend an offer to and take formal action to approve of the new Superintendent’s contract by May 13, 2024.
The new Superintendent will begin his/her duties on July 1, 2024.
