Click here for a letter from Dr. Lori VanLeer to the Washington community.
Click here for a letter from the Board of Education to the Washington community.
It will be the end of an era for the School District of Washington and its leader.
Dr. Lori VanLeer, currently in her 13th school year as SDOW Superintendent, has announced her retirement following the current 2020-21 school year.
The Board of Education approved VanLeer’s retirement on Wednesday, Sept. 23, with her final day taking place on June 30, 2021.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we would like to thank Dr. VanLeer for her commitment and leadership to the students, teachers and staff of the School District of Washington. The Board has been in full support of Dr. VanLeer with her vision and leadership to the School District of Washington. She continually asked her administration to strive for excellence in education for the students,” said Board of Education President John Freitag. “While we are disappointed about Dr. VanLeer’s decision, we understand and wish her the best.”
VanLeer is in her 19th year with the School District of Washington and 29th year in education overall. Before taking over as superintendent, she was Assistant Principal at Washington High School for three years followed by SDOW Assistant Superintendent for three years.
“As superintendent, I have tried to lead with the highest of integrity and have enjoyed much support over the years. I am truly grateful for all of the opportunities afforded to me and this wonderful career,” VanLeer said. “The people I have worked with internally are to be commended. They all have played a huge role in our success. It takes teamwork, work ethic, dedication and so much more to truly move forward and accomplish great things.
“I have been blessed with a strong Board of Education throughout my time here, which is extremely important as it leads to longevity and synergy. Such strengths should continue as the District moves forward. The leadership team, staff, and students have been tremendous; it has been a great run. I have forged great relationships with community members, city employees, public officials and so many others that have been gracious in their support of the District and my decisions.”
VanLeer will pursue other professional opportunities outside of the education field.
“It truly has been a privilege and honor to serve the students, staff and community,” VanLeer said. “Interestingly enough, the Class of 2021 entered kindergarten during the school year in which I became superintendent. I guess you could say I will graduate with them. We have accomplished a great deal together.”
The School District of Washington has had many accomplishments and built many successful programs during VanLeer’s time as superintendent. Some of those accomplishments include:
*Four successful bond issues.
*HVAC/Roofs (all buildings).
*Strong financial management, retired debt, elimination of lease debt, clean audits.
*Addition at Marthasville Elementary.
*Addition at Washington West Elementary.
*Construction of a new Early Learning Center for Pre-K, Early Childhood Special Education and Parents as Teachers.
*Discontinued use of modular trailer classrooms.
*Safety improvements at all schools including secure vestibules.
*Washington High School Field House/Gym.
*1:1 Technology.
*Mass communication system, improved marketing and communications.
*Four Rivers Career Center renovations and expansion of programs.
*CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies), the Confluence.
*Project Lead the Way – Engineering, IT, and Biomedical.
*Teaching Careers Academy.
*Health Science Academy/Mercy Partnership.
*BUILD Academy.
*Advanced Placement Courses/Dual Credit Expansion.
* Pathways for Teachers Program/Community Partnerships.
* Two five-year Strategic Plans realized and a third developed.
*Many wonderful hires.
The search for VanLeer’s successor will begin immediately.
Click here for the Superintendent Search Process and Timeline.
“We have engaged the services of a national search firm to assist in the process to find a new leader for the School District of Washington,” Freitag said. “You always want to leave a place better than it was when you began and I can say, without a doubt, that the School District of Washington is a much better place now than it was 12 years ago, thanks to Dr. VanLeer.”
“The District is in a good place, and thus, it will be a good time for a transition in leadership for the 2021-2022 school year. I will gracefully lead through this pandemic and the new construction,” VanLeer said. “My hope for the School District of Washington will always be continuous improvement, innovation that drives student success, and on-going Blue Jay pride.”
School District of Washington Assistant Superintendent Dr. Judy Straatmann also will retire following this school year after 33 years in education. A story on Straatmann’s retirement will be posted in the near future.
Dr. Lori VanLeer
