SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan Area School District Superintendent Joe Sheehan has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Nicole Sondalle, Communications Specialist for the district, tells WHBL News Sheehan made the announcement to district staff Wednesday morning via e-mail.
In a copy of that e-mail provided by the district, Sheehan says he is proud that he has spent the majority of his 35 year career in education with the district, and thanks all the “creative, dedicated, and caring people” he has worked with.
Sheehan went on to say that “we have evolved into a district that provides tremendous opportunities for our students and families as we work together as a team.” He added that the district’s two “pillars” that they’re built on, those being the “we” mindset and being a district of choice, will continue to be “the building blocks upon which we provide world class services for all our students so they are prepared for a successful future.”
His 27 years in the district began with one year as assistant principal at Urban Middle School. That was followed by five years as principal of James Madison Elementary School. He then moved to the central office with four years as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. That's been followed by17 years as co-superintendent and superintendent of the district.
In an e-mail response to Sheehan’s decision provided by the district to WHBL News, SASD Board of Education President David Gallianetti thanked Sheehan for the work he has done in the district and the community, saying “for many, he is the face of the Sheboygan Area School District.” He added that they will plan a celebration closer to the time of his retirement.
Sheehan’s decision means that the board will have to find a replacement for a district that has the state's tenth largest student body. Gallianetti says they now have plenty of time to find a successor, which will begin with discussions on how to proceed during future school board meetings. To aid them, he says the board will get assistance from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards to determine what qualities they desire with a new district leader. As for public input, Gallianetti says he envisions a broad group consisting of district staff, students, parents, and other members of the community.