Winona Area Public Schools
Dawn Waller Lueck has been a teacher, a principal and an administrator in a long and accomplished career in education.
Those experiences, she said, have helped prepare for her latest challenge — returning to Winona Area Public Schools as the Director of Human Resources.
“Winona is my home, and I want our school district to continue to grow, thrive and produce successful students who are college and career ready,” Lueck said. “I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the amazing teachers, principals and staff who are committed to our students and do this important work daily. I am excited to support these people, so we can continue to support our students.”
Lueck served as the Director of Schools at Stillwater Area Public Schools the past two years. Prior to that, she was an elementary principal for more than six years in WAPS, serving at Washington-Kosciusko and Rollingstone. She has also worked as an assistant principal and administrator with Rochester Public Schools, a principal with Winona Area Catholic Schools and an English teacher at Lewiston-Altura Public Schools.
“I still have lots to learn, but I do think my breadth of experiences from teacher, principal and director will be helpful,” Lueck said. “During my time in Stillwater, I managed the Teacher Development Evaluation Program, and this has always been an important focus for me. I believe all staff deserve specific and actionable feedback to continue learning and growing.”
Lueck said she also has experience on personnel issues, policy review and stays current with all legislative changes. She has also worked on contract negotiations.
“Not only does Dawn have the administrative experience, she also has tremendous institutional knowledge when it comes to the challenges we face and the successes we can share at Winona Area Public Schools,” said WAPS Superintendent Brad Berzinski. “She also has established relationships with many teachers, staff members and employees in our district. She will be able to hit the ground running, and we look forward to having her back in Winona.”
She replaces Emily Solheid, who left WAPS in January to pursue another professional opportunity.
“I have big shoes to fill,” Lueck said. “I need to spend time learning about systems, laws, policies and other important information that will impact my work.”
Lueck said she wants to help create a cohesive and supportive environment where people feel good about coming to work. She recognizes the need to recruit and retain employees with all job types.
“We need to continue to build on and spread the word that WAPS is an amazing place to be,” Lueck said.