Michele Schmidt
Pewaukee,United States
Summary
Educational leader with 21 years of experience in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing student success. Expertise in grant writing, budget planning, and fostering inclusive environments. Proven track record in improving academic outcomes and securing mental health funding. Recognized for leading North Shore Middle School to a National Blue Ribbon Award for high achievement and closing achievement gaps.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Principal-North Shore Middle School
Hartland-Lakeside School District
Hartland, WI
08.2006 - Current
- North Shore Middle School earned recognition from the Department of Education as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School in the categories of high achievement and closing achievement gaps.
- North Shore Middle School achieved significantly exceeds expectations ratings on the Wisconsin State Report Card for seven consecutive years.
- Collaborate with instructional coaches to provide common planning time, in-house instructional coaching, and on-site instructional learning labs.
- Developed vertical content area instructional teams to analyze student data, shaping instruction, and assessing progress.
- Achieved significantly exceeds expectations ratings on the Wisconsin State Report Card for seven consecutive years.
- Initiated modified block scheduling to increase students' mathematics and language arts time.
- Designated a requirement for NSMS middle school content-area teachers to hold certification in their specialties, leading to enhanced student outcomes.
- Managed change implementation to enhance the inclusion of diverse learners in classroom environments.
- Teamed with the business manager to strategically plan district resource distribution and oversee budget allocations.
- Monitored and evaluated the performance of school employees using classroom walkthrough and the Danielson Framework in relation to student outcomes.
- Guided strategic planning processes, resulting in comprehensive district plans, and improved stakeholder engagement.
- Designed and conducted student surveys to expand choices in PLTW and Fine Arts programs.
- Founded numerous after-school programs and activities.
- Collaborated with the district office and teaching staff to develop the post Act-10 handbook and policies.
- Participated in the district's design team, collaborating with teachers on alternative compensation design, insurance changes, and creating a yearly school calendar.
- Managed district-wide summer school programming and budgeting.
- Established a student leadership team for feedback on building activities.
- Partnered with the Hartland Lakeside Education Foundation to coordinate fundraising and grant initiatives.
Director of Special Education
Hartland-Lakeside School District
Hartland, WI
07.2016 - 06.2024
- Led district-wide special education initiatives, enhancing program effectiveness through targeted development.
- Initiated partnerships between special and regular education staff to improve student success through targeted development initiatives.
- Collaborated with the business manager to create and oversee budget management.
- Collaborated with private schools to secure and manage set-aside funds, bolstering resource availability.
- Established professional development programs focusing on trauma sensitivity, and increasing staff competency.
- Secured and maintained mental health grant funding from DPI.
- Initiated an inclusive buddies club for middle school students to encourage interaction between disabled and non-disabled peers.
- Designed onboarding and professional development protocols for special education support staff.
- Partnered with Arrowhead High School to create therapeutic environments, improving support for diverse learners.
Principal- LIFE Entrepreneurial Charter/Magnet
Hartland-Lakeside School District
Hartland, WI
08.2013 - 08.2018
- Collaborated with LIFE Charter School board to create innovative programming for students and academic choices for parents.
- Managed budgeting and resource allocation for newly established charter school in compliance with DPI requirements.
- Implemented personalized learning initiative including professional development for staff and showcases for parents highlighting student accomplishments
- Created innovative scheduling options for students to pursue entrepreneurial learning experiences, while integrating comprehensive curricular needs.
- Led staff in a charter school while simultaneously leading staff in a more traditional school environment, enhancing outcomes in both programs.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Policy And Leadership
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Madison, WI08-2024
Administrative Licensure - Educational Policy And Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI07.2004
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI05.1998
Bachelor of Science - International Studies
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI12.1989
Skills
- Data Driven Decision Making
- Budgeting and Resource Allocation
- Curriculum and Instructional Leadership
- Professional Development Planning
- Inclusive Education Strategies
- Change Management
Parent and Community Relationships
- Previous President of Hartland-Lake Country Rotary, previous board member and chairperson of the International Committee, Public Relations Committee and Student of the Month Committee
- Collaborate with Hartland-Lakeside Education Foundation volunteering for fundraising efforts and collaborating with parents to set fundraising goals and objectives
- Member and volunteer for Hartland Chamber of Commerce
- Hartland Rotary Foundation Board Member
- Collaboration with Family Engagement Committee which led to family welcome conferences at the start of each school year
- Member AWSA
Additional Trainings, Certifications, Presentations
- 2025- Curriculum and Instruction License Completion (UW-Madison)
- 2024- National Blue Ribbon Schools Conference (Orlando, FL)
- 2024- Danielson Framework Re-Certification Training (Pewaukee, Wi)
- 2023- CESA 6 Struggling Learners Literacy Training (Yearlong- Oshkosh, WI)
- 2023- AWSA Mastering Leadership Academy (Milwaukee, WI & Madison, WI)
- 2023- Open SciEd Science Curriculum Training (Online)
- 2021- AWSA Mastering Leadership Academy (Milwaukee, WI & Madison, WI)
- 2021- Restorative Practices as Alternative to Suspensions (Milwaukee, WI)
- 2021- Wisconsin Association of Business Officials Federal Funding Conference (Virtual)
- 2020- Illustrative Mathematics Training (Menomonee Falls, WI)
- 2020- Wisconsin Association of Business Officials Federal Funding Conference (Wisconsin Dells)
- 2018- Coaching Academy- Teachers College of Columbia University (New York, NY)
- 2018- Department of Justice Threat Assessment Training (Waukesha, WI)
- 2017- Coaching Academy- Teachers College of Columbia University (New York, NY)
- 2017- Learn from Leaders Conference (Washington, DC)
- 2014-2018- Reading and Writing Institutes- Teachers College of Columbia University (New York, NY)
References
- Dr. Nancy Nikolay- Former Superintendent Hartland Lakeside School District (Letter Included)
- Mr. Dave Risch- Principal- Hartland South Elementary School (Letter Included)
- Dr. Glenn Schilling- Former Superintendent Hartland-Lakeside School District (Letter Included)
- Mrs. Sarah Blankenheim- District Instructional Coach Hartland-Lakeside School District (Letter Included)
Additional References
- Mr. Jeremy Pflaff- Vice President of Banking Johnson Financial Group/Former President Hartland-Lake Country Rotary
- 262-417-2289
- Mrs. Val Wisnewski- Former School Board President (Hartland-Lakeside School District) & Former Parent
- 414-416-1224
- Ms. Julie Meeusen- Current Employee (Middle School Teacher)
- 262-370-6757
Timeline
Director of Special Education
Hartland-Lakeside School District
07.2016 - 06.2024
Principal- LIFE Entrepreneurial Charter/Magnet
Hartland-Lakeside School District
08.2013 - 08.2018
Middle School Principal-North Shore Middle School
Hartland-Lakeside School District
08.2006 - Current
Ph.D. - Educational Policy And Leadership
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Administrative Licensure - Educational Policy And Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Bachelor of Science - International Studies
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
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