Stephanie Phernetton
Neenah,WI
Summary
Accomplished Director of Student Services at Neenah Joint School District, adept in strategic leadership and equity advocacy. Spearheaded initiatives improving student engagement by 15%, managed budgets over $20 million, and enhanced academic outcomes through innovative policies. Skilled in stakeholder collaboration and employee development, demonstrating exceptional talent retention and program evaluation expertise.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Student Services
Neenah Joint School District
Neenah, WI
07.2022 - 10.2024
- Oversee comprehensive programming for 850 staff and 8,000 students with a focus on equity, special education, recruitment, and retention
- Manage an annual budget exceeding $20 million, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and measurable outcomes
- Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
Middle School Principal
Neenah Joint School District
Neenah, WI
07.2011 - 07.2022
- Directed academic programming and operations for a school of 1,200 students and 150 staff
- Implemented innovative policies to enhance safety, equity, and academic outcomes, increasing student engagement by 15%
- Provided coaching and mentorship to staff, fostering leadership capacity and professional growth
High School Principal
Racine Unified School District
Racine, WI
07.2007 - 07.2011
- Led a 2,200-member student body and 250 staff, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
- Strengthened school culture through initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity
- Improved academic performance metrics by streamlining systems and fostering stakeholder collaboration
Assistant Principal & English Teacher
South Washington County Schools
St. Paul, USA
07.1997 - 07.2007
- Supported school operations, student development, and parent engagement across middle and high school levels
- Delivered impactful teaching in English Language Arts, driving measurable improvement in student literacy
Education
Director of Special Ed & Pupil Services Certification -
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
01.2022
PK–12 Principal Certification -
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
01.1999
Master of Arts - Education
University of Minnesota
01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - American Indian Studies
University of Minnesota
Duluth, MN05-1997
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of Minnesota
Duluth, MN05-1997
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Systems Thinking
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Equity and Inclusion Advocacy
- Policy Development & Compliance
- Budget Management
- Crisis Management & School Safety
- Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
- Employee Coaching & Development
- Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Enrollment management
- Special education
- Student retention
- Writing and editing
- Student advocacy
- Leadership qualities
- Staff and educator guidance
- School Safety Procedures
- Microsoft office
- Technology integration
- Decision-making
- Process improvements
- Student performance data
- Teamwork
- Collaborative Problem-solving
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Student Services
Neenah Joint School District
07.2022 - 10.2024
Middle School Principal
Neenah Joint School District
07.2011 - 07.2022
High School Principal
Racine Unified School District
07.2007 - 07.2011
Assistant Principal & English Teacher
South Washington County Schools
07.1997 - 07.2007
Director of Special Ed & Pupil Services Certification -
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
PK–12 Principal Certification -
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
Master of Arts - Education
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - American Indian Studies
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of Minnesota