Gerlach announces retirement; school board names replacement
By Brandi Makuski
Superintendent Craig Gerlach will retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year.
Gerlach told the Stevens Point School Board during a closed session meeting on Monday that he would end his six-year tenure overseeing the district. Board President Meg Erler said his announcement was no surprise, as Gerlach internally announced his intentions last year.
“We are grateful he was willing to stay with us during this difficult period providing steady leadership for our community,” Erler said in a press release Monday night.
The Board offered the position to Assistant Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner, Ed.D. Her contract is expected to be approved in October.
Erler said that Gerlach “vastly changed” the climate in the district, bringing together “vital resources to support educational programs” and was key in the district securing a $75.9 million referendum vote in 2018.
Most notably, Erler said, Gerlach “focused on implementing solutions to problems focused on preparing each student to be successful throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Gerlach began his role in the district in 2016 after previously serving as the superintendent of the Jefferson School District, where he has been in the position since 2013. Prior to his current position, Gerlach was Superintendent of the Monona Grove School District for five years, the Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District for six years, and the Port Edwards School District for three years. Gerlach was also a middle school and high school principal and holds an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Edgewood College in Educational Leadership.
Hirsbrunner has previously held the roles of superintendent, director of instruction, principal, and classroom teacher. Gerlach had glowing reviews of her work.
“Cory has been instrumental to the success of this district to continue to move forward despite the current challenges,” he said. “Her leadership brings a sense of energy and passion to data-driven instruction, innovative programming, growing community partnerships, technology tools for a digital educational reality, and 21st-century skills for students.”
Hirsbrunner has been with the district since 2017, first as the Director of Elementary Education, then Assistant Superintendent.
“I am deeply humbled to have the faith of the School Board to continue to move this district forward for kids and our community,” Hirsbrunner said.
Hirsbrunner received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the UW-Platteville, her certification in school administration from UW-Madison, and her doctoral degree from Edgewood College in Educational Leadership.
Hirsbrunner will take over the position beginning July 1, 2022.
