Board of Education Appoints Two High School Principals
 

The West Bend Joint School District #1 Board of Education has introduced Mr. Ralph Schlass and Ms. Darci VanAdestine as principals of the West Bend high schools.

Mr. Schlass has been an assistant principal at the high schools since 1999. Ms. VanAdestine has been with the WBSD since 2014 serving most recently as the assistant principal/director of high school teaching and learning.  Both are recognizable faces to the students and parents in our system, respected members of our community, and parents of students in the West Bend Schools.

“I’m delighted Darci and Ralph have accepted the offer of principals for our two high schools. They are dedicated, student-centered, friendly and approachable. They have a strong desire to see children excel through an array of academic and extracurricular offerings. Additionally, I am grateful for our Superintendent’s belief in the capacity of the high school staff to transition to two principals sooner rather than later.” said Tiffany Larson, School Board President. “The two-principal, traditional model for our high schools increases the principal’s visibility and lends itself to more meaningful relationships between students, staff, and parents. This model was in place within our district for decades with excellent results. We believe this arrangement will contribute to a positive culture and increase student achievement. In the end we must always ask, ‘What is best for kids?’ We have an exceptional team and a caring community that seeks to support our public schools, and that’s what matters most.”

“Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Laura Jackson, and I will immediately begin working with Mr. Schlass, Ms. VanAdestine, and the staff at the high schools to ensure that processes are in place so this change is a positive experience for our students and families. I’m confident that West Bend High Schools will continue to provide a great high school experience for the children we serve.” said Erik Olson, Superintendent of Schools for the West Bend School District.

Mr. Schlass and Ms. VanAdestine will begin planning for this transition tomorrow. The Board will ratify their contracts on August 14, 2017.