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Dr. Kriewaldt to leave KES, principal will be superintendent in Erin
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By Andrew Kuehl
akuehl@kewaskumstatesman.com
KEWASKUM- Dr. Kriewaldt started in the Kewaskum School District on November 20, 1995, when he became principal of Wayne and Farmington Elementary Schools after leaving the Plymouth School District. On July 1, 1996 he became the District’s first ever Director of Elementary Education and also replaced long-time Kewaskum Elementary School (KES) principal Richard Zarling who retired.
Board of Education member Jean Goeden was on the team that hired Dr. Kriewaldt and stated she was very excited to have him join the Kewaskum School District. “We hired Mr. Kriewaldt knowing that Mr. Zarling would be retiring soon. I felt Mr. Kriewaldt could continue with the leadership instilled at KES by Mr. Zarling.”
Goeden revealed that she was also excited about Kriewaldt’s work in the gifted and talented program at Plymouth’s School District. She was certain that he would implement those practices into the classroom, and she was right.
“Personally, he has been a big asset to our school district, when we had leadership concerns. I really do not want to see him go, however, he has worked very hard to attain his doctorate. I know he will have continued success in his next position,” she concluded.
“It (Kewaskum) has been a wonderful place to work. I have made so many friends,” Dr. Kriewaldt stated. He referred to his departure as not a door closing, but another door opening, because he would like to one-day return to the District.
Dr. Kriewaldt stated the position in the Erin District presented an opportunity to further his career in education administration. He earned his doctorate of education degree from Cardinal Stritch University on May 20.
In his 11 years working in the district, Dr. Kriewaldt stated he is most proud of revamping the elementary schools’ buildings, primarily the construction of KES and remodeling at Wayne and Farmington. He is also proud of the many opportunities he has had working with families and seeing those students achieve their goals.
Reflecting on the unhappiness associated with change, Kewaskum Board of Education President John Kenworthy stated," While we will certainly miss Dr. Kriewaldt's professional and academic brilliance, we know that he has laid a solid foundation at KES so that whomever may follow will be well equipped to continue that excellence unabated. We wish Kieth nothing but the best in his future endeavors and recognize his many contributions during his tenure here in the Kewaskum School District,"
“I see this district really going forward. We have the right speed and direction. It’s difficult to walk away from that,” Dr. Kriewaldt concluded.
In his resignation to the Board of Education, Dr. Kriewaldt offered to assist his replacement at no charge to the district. Superintendent of Schools Mike Krumm did not respond to an inquiry as to how Kriewaldt’s position will be filled.
The Erin School District describes itself as a rural 4K through eighth grade district with small class sizes. The total student population is 375. Students are funneled to Hartford Union High School after attending Erin Middle School. Kriewaldt will replace Dr. Sally Jo Nelson on July 1.
Reporter’s note: It has been a privilege working with Dr. Kriewaldt for a number of years. I have seen him achieve many goals tirelessly and thanklessly all while moving our school district forward. Dr. Kriewaldt is a leader and his departure will be a huge loss. Dr. Kriewaldt and I have not always agreed on things, however, that never impeded on our working relationship. We always completed the job at hand. I wish you the best Kieth, and look forward to working with you once again.
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