Elmbrook HR Director to Join Waukesha School District

Christine Hedstrom, assistant superintendent for human resources at Elmbrook School District, is resigning to accept a similar position for the Waukesha School District.

Hedstrom said Tuesday her last day will be July 1 and she will help find her replacement, who will need to hit the ground running this summer to develop an employee handbook to replace union contracts that expire June 30.

The Waukesha School Board will vote June 8 on Hedstrom's proposed contract as assistant superintendent for human resources and labor relations. Elmbrook School Board will act on her resignation at its June 14 meeting.

Hedstrom said in an interview that she was not seeking a new position, but was impressed by Waukesha school officials who approached her.

"There were some tears involved because I am leaving such a wonderful administrative team," Hedstrom said. "We've got the strongest team ever, great principals who are all very earnest and professional. The common denominator is wanting to do what's best for the students." 

Hedstrom added: "I've loved working with (Elmbrook Superintendent) Matt Gibson. He's taught me so much."

Gibson said Tuesday, "We will miss Chris, her knowledge base, the trust she has built with staff and unions, and her commitment to all of us."

He said Hedstrom excelled at developing thorough information, responding to questions and relating to people.

Hedstrom said Waukesha was attractive because "it is a larger district with different challenges." She said she looked forward to working in a more urban setting, saying her children benefited from school transfer programs in Milwaukee County.

Hedstrom joined Elmbrook in February 2005 and replaced Rob Baxter, who retired after 32 years with the district.

Hedstrom is helping Elmbrook search for her replacement, providing names of potential candidates. The district likely also will seek human resources experts who have worked in corporate, non-educational settings, she added.