Pilgrim Park Principal to Leave Post: Smaller Size of Bayside School Suits Him, He Says
Posted on: Wednesday, 21 May 2008, 03:00 CDT
By Lisa Sink, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
May 21--BROOKFIELD -- Pilgrim Park Middle School Principal Don Galster has resigned to take a job as principal of Bayside Middle School, saying the move would better fit his leadership style by allowing him to more quickly implement new ideas in a smaller district.
Galster will lead a new school of about 425 students, about half Pilgrim Park's 875-student enrollment, under a contract proposal awaiting Galster's release from Elmbrook. His salary would be about the same as the $97,400 Elmbrook would have paid him next school year.
The Fox Point-Bayside School District has two schools: Bayside Middle School and Stormonth Elementary School, which has about 550 students. The district is a feeder to Nicolet High School.
Galster said his departure had nothing to do with his role on the district's human growth and development advisory committee and his comments urging Elmbrook to consider purchasing a pre-packaged sexual education curriculum and not discuss oral sex with sixth-graders.
"HG&D is a sensitive topic any district," he said. "This is truly about trying to match my leadership style and capabilities with the right educational setting," Galster said.
He said he hopes a smaller, more streamlined district will give him the opportunity to more quickly implement plans to improve student achievement.
He declined to comment on why that was not possible at Elmbrook, other than its larger size. Elmbrook has eleven schools, including two middle schools and two high schools.
Christine Hedstrom, Elmbrook's assistant superintendent for human resources, said some parents and School Board members were heartbroken over his departure.
"We wish Don the best," she said. "I've enjoyed working with him."
School Board President Meg Wartman said she asked Galster to stay, and it will be hard to replace him.
Elmbrook has invited families to a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pilgrim Park to discuss qualities sought in the next principal.
Galster will succeed Bayside Principal John Roubik, who resigned to become assistant superintendent of educational services at the Hamilton School District in Waukesha County.
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Source: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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