Shuffle at the top at Washington-Caldwell

Saltzmann to step up

as Pienkos steps down

At its March 16 meeting, the Washington-Caldwell School Board approved the retirement of Dr. Mark Pienkos as superintendent, effective June 30, and appointed Jill Saltzmann as the new superintendent/principal, beginning July 1.

Saltzmann is a 19-year veteran at Washington-Caldwell and has served as a special education teacher, athletic director, dean of students, assistant principal and principal.

Saltzmann earned bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, as well as earning licenses in curriculum and instruction and the principalship from Viterbo University.  Saltzmann will begin working toward her superintendent’s license at Cardinal Stritch University this summer.

Pienkos has served at Washington-Caldwell since September 2008.  During his 42-year career in education, Pienkos has worked as a teacher, school counselor, associate principal, principal and superintendent.

The board also approved a contract for Pienkos to serve as a mentor and coach for Saltzmann during the 2015-2016 school year.

The school board’s decisions are based on a succession plan established in 2012, Pienkos explained in a news release.

Part of the succession plan included setting the stage for the school’s long-time financial secretary/bookkeeper Kay Borgwardt’s retirement, which took place last year.

After an extensive search, Rachel Opgenorth was hired to replace Borgwardt.

Pienkos’s decision to retire reflects the second portion of the board-approved succession plan.

“The school board is to be commended for its foresight in approving a succession plan three years ago, setting the stage for an orderly transition after Kay Borgwardt’s and my retirements,” Pienkos said.

“We have many fine things taking place at Washington-Caldwell and the board’s actions maintain their continuity.”

Appointing Saltzmann as the new superintendent/principal signals a desire to continue the forward mission of the school district, he added. “Jill will do an outstanding job!” Pienkos said.

He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the school board, students, parents, staff and the Washington-Caldwell school community.

“The past seven years have been fantastic and I look forward to helping Jill in her new role as superintendent.  Go Bulldogs!” said Pienkos.