WILLIAM FISHER |
White Lake, Elcho hire school chief June 11, 2008 After nearly six months of searching, the Elcho and White Lake school districts are on the cusp of implementing their plans for a joint administrator, a process being closely watched by small, financially-strapped school districts across the state.
On Tuesday, the Elcho board hired William A. Fisher, currently the high school and middle school principal for the Boyceville school district to fill the administrator post.
The decision came just days before Chris Thomalla leaves the Elcho administrator post and Dr. Doug Druse retires at White Lake.
Fisher will receive a three-year contract and a starting salary of $102,000, split between the two districts. Elcho will hold the contract with White Lake contracting for services.
Fisher has been with the Boyceville district, where he also serves as athletic director, since 1999.
He previously was a high school principal at Cumberland High School, assistant principal at Wilson Junior High School in Manitowoc and district technology education department head for the Manitowoc Public School District. He also taught industrial arts and coached in the Houston, Texas Independent School District.
Fisher received his bachelor of science degree in industrial education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1981, followed by his master’s degree in 1988. He earned his principal license through Marian College in Fond du Lac in 1991 and completed the Wisconsin School Superintendent Licensure Program in 2007.
The new administrator was named Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2006 by the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce.
He also holds two United States patents.
Elcho and White Lake moved forward with joint administrator plans early this year, after Thomalla and Druse both announced their plans to move on. The idea was floated as a cost-savings move as the two small districts struggle with state-imposed revenue limits and declining enrollments.
The boards held a series of joint meetings and established a job description and contract requirements. Several rounds of interviews were held.
It’s a daunting challenge. The administrator will function as the chief administrative officer and business manager for the two districts. Responsibilities will include the development, implementation and supervision of all district programs and activities.
Fisher will also be responsible for implementing all district policies as well as state and federal rules and regulations, evaluate all aspects of district operations and recommend changes and establish and maintain an effective communication system between the schools and communities they serve.
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