New Leader for Onalaska Schools

In a big move for the School District of Onalaska, the Board of Education has chosen Ben Barton to be the new superintendent. This decision came after a long and thorough search process. The process was led by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. There were 12 strong candidates. The board made the announcement on March 10, 2025. Barton will start his new role on July 1, 2025. Ben Barton is not new to education leadership. He has been the superintendent of Princeton Public Schools in Minnesota since 2018. Before that, he led Caledonia Area Public Schools and was the principal at La Crescent Middle School. Barton's education includes a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in physical education, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from St. Mary's University, and superintendent licensure from St. Cloud State University. He also has a National Superintendent Certification from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The community played a big role in this decision. The board listened to feedback from staff, students, families, and community members. This input helped shape the interview questions and the final choice. Board president Ann Garrity expressed excitement about Barton's appointment. She highlighted his experience, success, and enthusiasm for the position and the community. Barton is excited to join Onalaska. He sees it as a top-performing district. He believes this success is due to the hard work of educators, staff, families, and students. Barton wants to embrace the "Onalaska Way" while finding new ways to grow and improve. He looks forward to working with everyone to create meaningful learning experiences for every student. The new superintendent search process was thorough and involved the community. This shows the district's commitment to finding the best leader for its students. Barton's background and enthusiasm make him a strong fit for Onalaska. His leadership could bring new ideas and energy to the district.