School board’s decision coming in early April
By Holly Neumann
The three finalists for the Manawa School District’s district and business administrator position recently spent some time in the community.
They are Ryan Peterson, Jason Bull and Ben Heninger. Peterson is currently principal at Appleton North High School; Bull is the Manitowoc School District’s director of teaching, learning and assessment; and Heninger is superintendent of the Butternut School District.
The Manawa School Board plans to make a decision in early April. Current district administrator Melanie Oppor will retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year and business manager Carmen O’Brien will also step down.
Peterson
Peterson earned his bachelor of science degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He continued his education at Concordia University and Marian University, earning a master’s degree and principal, director of curriculum and superintendent licenses.
He said his wealth of experience is his biggest asset and he is looking forward to making a larger impact on the community in a leadership role.
“I’ve worked in small communities, I’ve worked in big communities,” Peterson said. “I’ve worked in rural settings and inner-city. I have a lot of experience understanding that and the different needs. My biggest strength is building school culture, leaning into the people, caring about the people and building a foundation to support the students we serve every day.”
Peterson also has a vast network of support.
“If I don’t know something, I am not afraid to ask for help,” he said. “I have a great network of people that I can call on at any point that are a year or more into their administrative journey.”
Peterson also hopes to build trust in the community.
“I have talked to the board about this and we have to be people of integrity to build trust,” he said. “We have to say what we mean and do what we say. Our job is to help serve and to build a great school and community. Unless you’re honest and open about it, there is no way to do that.”
Peterson said he will be approachable and visible within the community.
“We are very involved in our school now,” he said. “This is more than a job, it’s our lifestyle.”
“This is what we do,” said Peterson’s wife, Noelle. “We spend at least three nights a week at Appleton North. We love to be around the kids.”
Bull
A graduate of Cardinal Stritch University, Bull holds a bachelor of science degree in math; certification to teach grades 6–12; certification to be a K-12 principal; certification to be a director of curriculum and instruction; and a district administrator license.
He has been in education for 24 years and said he brings a clear focus on learning.
“I know the fundamental focus of this organization is learning, but it’s also the fact that we are in the people business and we have to take care of the people,” Bull said. “The focus should be on the students and the adults that are making it happen in the classroom.”
Building trust in the community is important and that will happen in two ways, he said.
“One is being present and engaged by being at school events, community events and just being out and about,” he said. “I think another prong to building trust is being very clear on communicating early and often. I always like to include the why, the what and the how so people have that foundational knowledge.”
The Manawa School District is the hub of the community, Bull said.
“I think Manawa is a close-knit community,” he said. “This district is a family. I think one of the challenges that they face, like many other districts, is attracting and retaining high-quality professionals.”
Bull said he is humbled to be considered as the district’s next leader.
“I would be honored to serve you,” he said. “I want to be part of a community and lead a district. I want to build a culture of understanding and purpose.”
Heninger
Heninger has a bachelor’s degree in political science from UW-Madison, a master’s degree in music from UW-Milwaukee and a doctorate of educational leadership from Edgewood College. His licensure includes lifetime licenses in instrumental music, superintendent, principal, director of instruction, director of special education and people services and business manager.
“I have no concerns about filling the dual role here in Manawa,” he said. “In a small district, we need to wear whatever hats are required of us. I am acclimated to the types of things we can do in a small community to really move the needle for our students in achievement and the future of education.”
Heninger said he would bring his passion and enthusiasm for what needs to be done as leaders in education.
“We are here to inspire a love of life-long learning in every child we are blessed to work with,” he said. “If a child is having a tough day, I will sit on the floor with him and just talk.”
Heninger said he likes to be immersed in the community.
“From concerts to athletics, I like being present and visible,” he said. “I would like to see the city as a partner in education.”
If selected for the position, Heninger, who already owns a home in Shawano, said it will be coming home.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” he said. “Great things are happening here in Manawa and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
The groundwork is already in place for building positive and trusting relationships with staff, students and community, according to Heninger.
“This will stand the test of time because we believe in what we are doing,” he said. “If we work together, we can do anything.”