For the Gazette
STEVENS POINT  – The Stevens Point Area Public School District School Board accepted the retirement of Superintendent Craig Gerlach at the end of the 2021-22 school year, June 30, 2022, at their Sept. 13 School Board Meeting. “We are deeply appreciative of the leadership that Craig has provided during his time at the District,” stated School Board President, Meg Erler. “He has vastly changed the climate and culture of the District securing vital resources to support the educational programs and facilities through facility and operational referenda, brought stakeholders together to create actionable and outcome-based strategic planning, and most notably has focused on implementing solutions to problems focused on preparing each student to be successful throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Gerlach began his tenure with the District in 2016 after previously serving as the superintendent of the Jefferson School District, where he has been in the position since 2013. Prior to his current position, Gerlach was Superintendent of the Monona Grove School District for five years, the Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District for six years, and the Port Edwards School District for three years. Mr. Gerlach was also a middle school and high school principal and holds an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Edgewood College in Educational Leadership.

“This did not come as a surprise to the School Board,” noted Erler, sharing that Gerlach originally approached the board with this intent to retire at the end of the 2020 school year. “We are grateful he was willing to stay with us during this difficult period providing steady leadership for our community.”

The School Board then approved offering the position to Cory Hirsbrunner, Ed.D. to serve as superintendent beginning July 1, 2022. “Cory has been instrumental to the success of this District to continue to move forward despite the current challenges,” said Gerlach. “Her leadership brings a sense of energy and passion to data-driven instruction, innovative programming, growing community partnerships, technology tools for a digital educational reality, and 21st-century skills for students.” Hirsbrunner has been with the District since 2017, first as the Director of Elementary Education, then Assistant Superintendent. “I am deeply humbled to have the faith of the School Board to continue to move this District forward for kids and our community.”

Hirsbrunner has previously held the roles of superintendent, director of instruction, principal, and classroom teacher. Her aspirations to pursue leadership in a large district have been very rewarding. Mrs. Hirsbrunner embraces the close-knit and hard-working school community as well as the positive district and community partnerships that foster, support, and encourage a focus on children.

Mrs. Hirsbrunner received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, her certification in school administration from UW-Madison, and her Doctoral degree from Edgewood College in Educational Leadership.