As it is for students, the first day of school in the Menominee Indian School Distinct will also be new — sort of — for Shannon Chapman, the district’s new superintendent.
Chapman was hired last spring to succeed Marcus Denny, who stepped down at the end of the 2025-26 school year. She has more than 30 years of experience in the education field.
Chapman is a 1991 graduate of Menominee Indian High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Norbert College in 1996, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University in 2008.
She spent 20 years working at the Menominee Tribal School as a teacher, assistant principal,and principal/administrator. For the last 10 years, she has served as the Menominee Tribal education director where she primarily focused on higher education, adult basic education and job training initiatives.
Chapman’s board service includes the Menominee Indian School Board (2006-09), the Wisconsin Indian Education Association board of directors (2016-26), the College of Menominee Nation board of trustees (2017-26) and the Kaehkenawapahtaeq Charter School Governance Board (2020-26). She also served on a number of advisory boards including the Shawano School District Title VI Parent Advisory Committee and is currently a member of the Wisconsin State Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Charter Schools.
“I was humbled that people would think of me as a good fit for this very impactful role,” she said. “I started to reflect on the responsibilities of a school superintendent, as well as how my tribe invested in me as an educator and provided me with many opportunities over the years to grow. Serving my community is deeply meaningful to me, and stepping into this role would allow me to continue to serve the Menominee community at-large.”
Chapman emphasized her commitment to strengthening academics, Menominee culture, personal wellness, family involvement and community partnerships.
“My belief is that everyone deserves a high-quality education – and that education is the key to personal growth and advancement,” she said.
Chapman outlined several early goals for her new position.
“My plan is to first learn all that I can about the school district,” she said. “There are many wonderful programs that have been truly impactful on our students. I also need to understand the areas that are in need of improvement. Strategic planning is at the top of my agenda.”
Having spent the last 10 years working primarily with college and high school students as they work toward their post-secondary education and job training goals, she hopes to build a fully aligned college and career pathway so students graduate with clear plans and the skillset for postsecondary success.
Chapman, who has been part of the team that developed the Kaehkenawapahtaeq Charter School, hopes to expand cultural integration districtwide as well.
“I have learned so much about the positive impacts of language and culture on student wellness and community wellness,” she said. “My goal is to fully support the integration of the Menominee language and culture throughout the district. I certainly have a learning curve ahead of me, as there would be in any new job position, but I am committed to serving the district and community to the best of my abilities.”
