The Board of Education for the School District of La Crosse approved the hiring of a new director of elementary education, a new principal, and a new director of information technology.
Todd Antony joins the School District of La Crosse as the new director of elementary education. This new position in the district is responsible for framing and executing a vision of effective instruction for preschool through fifth-grade. This director has a focus on closing achievement and opportunity gaps to ensure equity in elementary services.
As part of his over 25 years in education, Antony spent the last 8 years as a member of the Onalaska School District. He served as that district’s technology coordinator and principal of Irving Pertzsch Elementary School. Antony graduated from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He earned his Master of Science Degree in Computer Science Education from Cardinal Stritch University.
“Creating and fostering relationships is the factor that most contributes to student success,” said Antony. “My personal commitment to those I serve is grounded in the principles of collaboration, kindness, patience, honesty, encouragement, forgiveness, and thankfulness. I want everyone who is a member of our school community or enters our buildings to do so with a sense of excitement and hope.”
Walter Gnewikow Jr. has been selected as the new principal of Logan High School. He has been a member of the Logan High School family since 2001, serving first as a mathematics teacher, then as the dean of students, with his most recent position as the school’s associate principal. Gnewikow graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He earned his Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Viterbo University. Gnewikow takes the helm from Dr. Deb Kollross. Kollross is scheduled to retire in June after serving the district since 1998.
“I care deeply about public education,” said Gnewikow. “I want our staff, district, and community to perform the best possible job of preparing our young men and women to further their education and life skills so they can plan and reach their goals.”
Michael St. Pierre joins the district as the new director of information technology. St. Pierre comes to La Crosse from the School District of West Salem where he served as the district’s director of instruction and technology for the last nine years. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and earned his Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. St. Pierre replaces Vicki Lyons. Lyons retired from the district in February of this year.
“For students, success consists not just of good grades and progress towards graduation, but more from a holistic sense of fulfillment,” said St. Pierre. “When we cultivate perseverance and promote a healthy balance between academic success and the other areas of life, students are successful. When we nurture their curiosity, establish systems to keep them connected, and help them develop a sense of purpose by serving others, students are successful.”
Antony, Gnewikow, and St. Pierre will start in their new roles on July 1, 2018.
“These three leaders are incredibly strong advocates for students,” said superintendent of schools Randy Nelson. “They all share a student-centered approach, keeping student success at the forefront of all decision-making. They join an amazing family of educators in our district that will continue our tradition of excellence and ensure quality, equitable, and innovative educational opportunities for all of our students.”
