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January 29, 2008

Notes and Links on Madison's New Superintendent: Daniel Nerad



Andy Hall:

"Certainly I feel excitement about this possibility, but I also want you to know that this has not been an easy process for me, " Nerad told reporters Monday night at a Green Bay School Board meeting as he confirmed he was ending a 32-year career in the district where his two children grew up.

"My hope is that I have been able to contribute to the well-being of children in this community -- first and foremost, regardless of what the role is. "

Nerad conditionally accepted the position Monday, pending a final background check, successful contract negotiations and a visit by a delegation from the Madison School Board, President Arlene Silveira said at a news conference in Madison.

Susan Troller:
Green Bay schools Superintendent Daniel Nerad has been chosen to succeed Art Rainwater as head of the Madison Metropolitan School District.

School Board President Arlene Silveira said Monday night that Nerad, 56, was the board's unanimous top choice. She said they offered him the job on Saturday, following board interviews with finalists last week and deliberations on Saturday morning.

Silveira said Nerad asked the board to delay announcing its choice until he was able to meet with members of the Green Bay School Board Monday at 6 p.m. Silveira made the announcement at 7 p.m. in Madison.

"This is a very, very exciting choice for the district, and for the Board," Silveira said.

"Dr. Nerad overwhelmingly met every one of the desired superintendent characteristics that helped guide the hiring process," she added.

Kelly McBride:
Many of Nerad's challenges as Madison schools chief will mirror those he has faced in Green Bay, Silveira said, including changing student demographics and working within the confines of the current state funding formula.

Both the Green Bay and Madison school districts are members of the Minority Student Achievement Network, a nationwide coalition of schools dedicated to ensuring high academic achievement for students of color.

Network membership is one way Nerad and Rainwater became acquainted, Rainwater said in an interview earlier this month.

Nerad said Monday he regrets that more progress hasn't been made in advancing the achievement of minority students during his tenure. But he believes it will happen, he said.

The next head of the Green Bay schools also will inherit the aftermath of a failed 2007 referendum for a fifth district high school and other projects.

A community-based task force charged with next steps has been working since summer, and its work will continue regardless of who's at the helm, School Board vice president and task force member Katie Maloney said Monday.

Still, Maloney said it won't be easy to see him go.

Audio, video, notes and links on Daniel Nerad's recent Madison public appearance.

I wish Dan well in what will certainly be an interesting, challenging and stimulating next few years. Thanks also to the Madison School Board for making it happen.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at January 29, 2008 10:10 AM
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