Menomonee Falls School Board names David Muñoz the district's new superintendent

The Menomonee Falls School Board has named its new superintendent.

The school board voted 6-1 on July 10 to hire David Muñoz, who has been the superintendent of the Mosinee School District since 2019.

Muñoz's selection came despite previous protests from Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area, whose members expressed concerns that there were no educational experts in the interview process and that the the school board did not listen to the voices of teachers and administrators in choosing the finalists.

No one from the group spoke at Monday's meeting. Seven community members spoke in support of school board, however.

In casting the only dissenting vote, board member Keri Duce said, "I am a five-year board member, have a master's in education, and I am the only one up here whose campaign was not paid for by WisRed (an organization solely focused on electing conservative and right leaning local officials). And that will be reflected in my vote tonight."

School Board President Nina Christensen praised Muñoz, saying he "leads by example, is hardworking and is a loyal leader." Christensen said Muñoz will put in long hours and give 110%. "I am excited for the future and where he will lead the district," she said.

Muñoz plans to start his new job July 17.

“I will work every day tirelessly to earn and maintain your trust while staying focused on learning for all students," Muñoz said in a news release. "The entire Menomonee Falls community will have every opportunity to not only meet me but also to be connected to an ongoing and continuous improvement process for our treasured students.  What I may do is not nearly as powerful as what we can all do together for students, staff, and the community.  To the teachers and staff, every great work takes a collective effort, expertise, and passion. I can’t wait to start this great work with all of you.”

'His style is of a servant leader'

The six board members who voted for Muñoz said they were won over by his personality as well as his credentials.

Muñoz has 25 years of classroom and administrative experience, according to his biography on the Menomonee Falls School District's website.  He received the 2007 Governor's Service Award - Marty Stein Friend of National Service Award and was named Wisconsin Association of School Councils State Administrator of the Year in 2017.

"His style is of a servant leader. He shares power," said Christensen, explaining that he puts the needs of others before himself and "serves with humility."

Chris Stueland, school board vice president, added that Muñoz makes strong relationships, is committed to being visible and helps with activities. "He is a very authentic human being," she said.

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Joel Woppert, school board member, added that he was impressed by Muñoz "humbleness." "He took interest in everyone he met. I think he will be a great fit," Woppert said.

The school district said in a news release that there will be meet-and-great activities this summer.

Opposing views on Muñoz

School board member Jennifer Grant acknowledged that there are people in the community who had concerns about Muñoz and the other superintendent finalist, Jerry Sardina. Muñoz and Sardina were both finalists for the Hartland-Lakeside School District's superintendent position in May. Amid parent protesting about the two candidates, they withdrew from consideration.

Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area echoed concerns raised in the Hartland-Lakeside School District about Muñoz and Sardina.

Group co-leader and spokesperson Hallie Schmeling said in a statement, "The Menomonee Falls School Board meeting on 7/10/23 was a display of a partisan agenda being carried out; it was not about education or what's developmentally appropriate for children in our public schools. Thank you Keri Duce for your advocacy. Also, to the Menomonee Falls Educators - we support your expertise, profession, and the work you do for our children."

Speaking in support of the school board, community member Shawn Dean said, "I voted for all of you. I believe in all of you. This is not an easy choice. ... Only you seven will know who the right candidate is."

Muñoz will be the first permanent superintendent since Corey Golla was the superintendent from 2018 to 2022. Golla left to become the principal at Wauwatosa West High School. James Heiden has been the interim superintendent since August.

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Menomonee Falls School District selected its new superintendent