TJ Walker Middle School Principal Finalists Named

Thirty-eight applicants from five states applied for the middle school principal vacancy brought about by the retirement of Mr. Randy Watermolen after 15 years of service here in Sturgeon Bay and a career in education. Interviews were held with five candidates on April 6 & 7 involving a student-led tour of the building, writing task, meeting with administrators, and then interviews with three committees comprised of staff, parents, and community representatives; administrative team representatives; and Board of Education representatives.

Two finalists have been selected to return to Sturgeon Bay on Wednesday, April 13. Dan Arvidson-Hicks is currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Superior Middle School in Superior, Wisconsin.  Mr. Hicks’ previous experience includes time as an instructional coach, as well as teacher at the elementary and secondary levels.  Mr. Hicks and his family currently live in Duluth, Minnesota.

Mark Smullen is currently serving as Principal at Aldrich Intermediate School in Beloit, Wisconsin.  Mr. Smullen’s previous experience includes time as an assistant principal, as well as social studies teacher at the secondary level.  Mr. Smullen and his family currently live in Beloit.

Interested students, parents, staff members, and community members are invited to attend a Meet-and-Greet session (planned for 30-35 minutes in length) with each finalist at the Sturgeon Bay High School Library after school on Wednesday, April 13.  The session will begin with some remarks from the candidate, followed by the opportunity to take some questions from the group.  Time to mingle and meet the candidate is then planned for any time remaining.

3:30 P.M. Meet-and-Greet with Mr. Hicks

4:15 P.M. Meet-and-Greet with Mr. Smullen

In addition to the Meet-and-Greet session, each candidate will receive a tour of the community, and then have second interviews with Administrative Team representatives and Board of Education representatives. Board of Education approval of a selected candidate could occur as early as the April 20, 2016 regular Board of Education meeting.