The School District of Janesville has announced the hiring of Allison DeGraaf, current Principal at Kennedy Elementary School, as the district’s new Director of Teaching and Innovation (the position was previously known as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment). DeGraaf will begin this new position on July 24, 2017.
“We had a strong field of qualified candidates apply for the position,” said Mr. Steve Pophal, Superintendent for the School District of Janesville. “What sets Allison apart from the other applicants includes her extensive knowledge of the district and her distinguished record of performance spanning twenty-six years in both the classroom and leadership positions in our schools. I am confident she will be able to hit the ground running in this new role.” DeGraaf has been employed by the School District of Janesville since 1991. DeGraaf has served as Principal at Kennedy Elementary School since 2012. Prior to that role in the district, she has served as a Kindergarten Teacher (1991 – 1997); a Learning Support Teacher (1997 – 2011) and Building Coordinator (2011 – 2012).
“Allison is a natural leader, and has created a tremendous learning environment at Kennedy Elementary School, ensuring parents, students, and staff have their voices heard,” added Pophal. “Her calm presence and demeanor, her dedication to students and staff members, and the fact that she is a life-long learner will serve her well in this new district leadership role.”
DeGraaf received a BS in Education from Luther College (1991); a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Madison (1995) and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from UW-Madison (2011). DeGraaf is a certified Reading Specialist and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program through UW-Madison.
There were eighteen (18) applicants for the position of Director of Teaching and Innovation. Three (3) candidates were interviewed by an interview team composed of: Mr. Steve Pophal (superintendent); Mr. Scott Garner (assistant superintendent); Ms. Kim Peerenboom, Mr. Keith Pennington, and Dr. Robert Smiley (directors); and Ms. Tina Johnson (assistant director). Two (2) candidates were recommended to and interviewed by a peer team consisting of: Mr. Scott Garner (assistant superintendent); Mr. Patrick Gasper (communication specialist); Ms. Amy Sheridan, Ms. Julie DeCook and Dr. Kolleen Onsrud (coordinators); Mr. Paul Stengel and Mr. Dennis Condon (teachers); Mr. Shawn Kane (assistant principal); Mr. Kurt Krueger (principal) and Ms. Vicki Hilt (support staff).
DeGraaf was approved for a one-year contract for the 2017-18 school year. The contract will begin on July 24, 2017. She will work 260 days (prorated to 245 days based on her start date) and will receive a salary of $128,500 (pro-rated to $121.086.53 based on her start date).
