PRESS RELEASE: WUSD BOARD SELECTS SUPERINTENDENT
June 21, 2022
We are pleased to announce that the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education has selected Dr. Jarred Burke to be the Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, 2022. The search culminated a two month process that began with soliciting the community's feedback about the needs and priorities of the school district, and the qualifications and characteristics stakeholders wanted in the next Superintendent. The search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates used input from interviews, focus groups, forums, and an online survey to develop a Leadership Profile. The Board of Education used this profile as a framework for evaluating and interviewing candidates.
From a multi-state field of applicants, Dr. Burke emerged as the right fit for the students, staff, schools, and community of the Watertown Unified School District. "People who have met Dr. Burke point to his straight-forward communication style and his ability to connect with you. His deep background in raising the bar academically, in combination with his successful experience leading a district with similar financial challenges, gave him the edge among a group of very talented and accomplished finalists."
Dr. Burke has spent the last 7 years as the District Administrator for the Richland School District. The Richland School District serves approximately 1,400 students. Prior to this, he served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Mount Horeb Area School District, and Elementary and Middle School Principal in the Southwestern School District. As a teacher, he taught elementary and middle school age students. He has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College of Madison, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Marian College of Fond Du Lac, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Education from UM-Winona.
Dr. Burke and his family are enthusiastic about the opportunity to move to the District. He is also excited about the chance to join the Watertown Unified School District’s team of great educators. Dr. Burke believes the District and community have a commitment to supporting students, and that his skills in leadership will compliment the District. Dr.Burke said, “I can’t wait to learn more about the community, the families, staff and students. My family and I are looking forward to our future in Watertown.”
The Board of Education will vote on Dr. Burke's contract at its normal monthly meeting on June 27th.
Please help us welcome Dr. Burke to the WUSD!