SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The three-year tenure of Shawano superintendent Randi Anderson is ending.
She’s the latest domino to fall, after school board members Chris Gull, Michael Sleeper and Chuck Dallas also resigned.
“It’ll be a good change. it’ll move the district in the right direction, and I’m very respectful of the fact that she saw that and was willing to resign,” district parent Bobbi Lemerond said.
FOX 11 reached out to Anderson, who issued this statement:
“Family is extremely important to me, and I need to spend more of my time focusing on family. For the past three years, I have truly enjoyed working alongside you.”
Lemerond has been active in leading the charge to recall two school board members. She thinks community backlash likely played a role in Anderson’s decision.
“Realistically, I would think it had something to do with it. I can’t speak for her, obviously.”
Shawano teachers also made their frustrations known. The Shawano Educators Association released a survey taken by 68% of district teachers. Issues include low salaries and changes to technology.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the average salary of a Shawano teacher is just over $53,000.
When asked about their thoughts and concerns, teachers said the following:
“Lack of honest communication and micromanagement is killing this district”
“My concern is not with my principal but those above him.”
“Our district administration seems incompetent.”
“Why talk when I feel like my perspective is not valued?”
Lemerond tells FOX 11 she’s seen and heard the frustration first-hand.
“I had started talking with some of my children’s teachers, and it was very sad to hear how unhappy in their workplace they were.”
Although this decision leaves many leadership roles vacant, parents like Lemerond say it’s encouraging for the community.
“Our teachers are wonderful people. I think this district is a very good district. I don’t want people to be afraid to enroll their children here.”
Anderson has led the district since 2019. She will officially step down from her role on Sept. 2.
A statement from the district says the school board has started the process of finding a new superintendent. Kurt Krizan, the current director of curriculum and instruction, will serve as acting superintendent.
An online petition calling for Anderson’s removal had nearly 1,200 signatures as of 11 a.m. Thursday. The petition cited budget concerns in the district as well as staff resignations.
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