This story was updated to include new information.
The Wrightstown School Board has appointed a new interim superintendent, replacing Ron Saari after only seven months on the job. It’s the district’s third superintendent who’s held office this year.
James Smasal is a former Kewaskum School District administrator, who retired from the district in 2021, and ran for the Gibraltar School Board in Door County in 2022. He’s worked in public education for around 40 years, he said in an interview. Since then, he said, he’s spent time as an interim superintendent in school districts around the state.
One of his and the board’s main priorities is to rebuild a culture of honesty, respect and caring, Smasal said. Communication should be open, honest and positive.
“Every child, if they’re going into third grade, it’s the only year they’re going into third grade,” Smasal said. “We cannot tread water for a year.”
The school board plans to formally approve his appointment at its Aug. 20 meeting.
“Mr. Smasal brings to WCSD a strong background in district operations, a proven record of leadership, and a contagious enthusiasm for public education,” a news release from Rayn Warner, board president, said. “Known for his passion for students, staff, and the community, Mr. Smasal is a vibrant leader who approaches his work with heart, humor, and energy.”
Smasal holds a specialist certification in administration and leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a master’s in educational leadership from UW-Milwaukee and a bachelor’s in physical education from UW-Eau Claire. The Press-Gazette requested his contract but did not receive a response by the time this article was published.
The district worked with educational service agency CESA 7 to recruit 10 candidates, narrowing the field to two finalists after review and interviews, the news release said. Information on candidates and finalists was not released to media. The board said it relied on community feedback, including social media posts and local opinion pieces, in making its decision.
Wrightstown will start the search for a permanent superintendent in late 2025 or early 2026.
“The Board is confident that Mr. Smasal will provide steady, student-centered leadership during this transitional year and serve as a bridge to the district’s next chapter,” Warner said in the news release.
Saari was put on paid administrative leave in May after a performance review and resigned from the district on July 31. He credited his resignation to major leadership changes on the board, saying the board “did not want (him) there.”
No reason was given for the initial performance review, and a Press-Gazette records requests for Saari’s performance evaluations were denied. Saari’s original contract was not provided to the Press-Gazette.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Wrightstown school board selects new interim superintendent, third administrator this year
Reporting by Nadia Scharf, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
