Elmbrook: Mark Hansen Will Be Next Superintendent

The Elmbrook School Board will vote Tuesday to hire Mark Hansen as the district's next superintendent.

Below is the press release the district issued Friday morning. For more coverage of the superintendent search, see Brookfield Patch's coverage. The board's packet for Tuesday's meeting includes more details of Hansen's contract, including his planned $175,000 salary.

"The School District of Elmbrook Board of Education has selected Mr. Mark Hansen as the district’s next superintendent. Mr. Hansen, currently the Chief Academic Officer in the Pewaukee School District, will succeed Dr. Matt Gibson, who is retiring effective June 30, 2012 after 17 years of service. Mr. Hansen’s contract begins July 1, 2012 and will be approved by the Board of Education at its meeting on Tuesday, February 28.

"The Board believes that in Mark Hansen, our District and community will continue to have an educational leader of the highest personal integrity; one who is committed to building upon Elmbrook's established reputation to attain higher levels of curricular excellence for all students and families,” said Board of Education President Tom Gehl. “His background in educational services and delivery, combined with extensive building experience as a Principal, were significant factors. These criteria, combined with his detailed plans for a transition of leadership, an administrative organizational structure, and plans whereby Elmbrook can secure the highest levels of achievement in our buildings, are what most impressed the Board." 

“I am honored and humbled to be joining the Elmbrook team working toward continued excellence,” said Mr. Hansen. “The opportunity to work with the district’s engaged school board, dedicated administrators, talented teachers and staff, inspiring students, and committed parents and community members is a dream come true.” 

Mr. Hansen said he is grateful to the Board of Education for their commitment and trust in him.

“I have truly been inspired through school visits and conversations with students, teachers and administrators during the interview process. I look forward to our collaborative efforts to build upon the strong foundation that makes Elmbrook succeed.”

Prior to Mr. Hansen’s Chief Academic Officer position in Pewaukee, he was the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the School District of Waukesha. His other administrative experience includes serving as principal of Waukesha South High School, assistant principal of Waukesha North High School, assistant principal of Brown Deer High School, and assistant principal of Pewaukee Middle School. His administrator positions followed his career as a teacher.

Mr. Hansen is currently pursuing his Ph.D. and expects to complete it in May 2013. In 2007 he received superintendent certification from Cardinal Stritch University. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Marian College (1997) and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1993). Mr. Hansen is also an adjunct professor at Carroll University and Cardinal Stritch University. 

In 2006 Mr. Hansen was named Wisconsin Principal of the Year by the Association for Wisconsin School Administrators and was a national finalist for the same award. Other notable administrative and teaching accomplishments can be viewed in his resume.

Mr. Hansen and Dr. Gibson plan to work together to ensure a smooth and successful superintendent transition. Staff, students, parents and community members will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Hansen at Meet & Greet events to be scheduled over the next several months.

Superintendent Search Process

Following Dr. Gibson’s retirement announcement, last fall the Board of Education hired Ray & Associates of Iowa to conduct a national superintendent search. Ray & Associates began the process by collecting community feedback in order to develop a profile of the ideal Elmbrook superintendent, which was used in the recruiting stage. Forty-seven candidates from across the country applied for the position and finalists were interviewed by the Board in February. For more information on the search, visit www.elmbrookschools.org."