For more than two decades, Laura Magee has quietly and consistently helped shape the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District while continuing to contribute to many areas of the community.
Magee, who has served on the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Board for 21 years, was recognized in January with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards 20-Year Service Award, marking an important milestone in her long-standing commitment to education and local leadership.
While the recognition highlights a significant achievement, Magee’s impact reaches far beyond the board table. She has served as a local EMT since 2012, providing critical service to the community, and remains actively involved in several local organizations.
Magee volunteers as a board member and serves as secretary of the Wittenberg Area Historical Society. She is also a committee member and volunteer with the Walls of Wittenberg.
Through her work on the school board, Magee has also served on several committees supporting district initiatives, including the nature center committee and the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center committee, helping guide projects that enhance educational and recreational opportunities for students and the broader community.
During Magee’s tenure on the board, the district has experienced growth in open enrollment, expanded opportunities for students through academics, clubs and co-curricular activities, and added 4-year-old kindergarten and early childhood programming. The district has also maintained strong financial stability, reflecting careful oversight and responsible leadership.
Magee has played an active role in key leadership decisions within the district, including participating in superintendent searches and the hiring of new principals. She also previously served on the CESA 8 Board of Control, contributing to regional educational leadership.
Fellow school board member Richard Olson describes Magee as someone who is “not afraid to ask questions,” noting that her approach encourages strong discussion and thoughtful decision-making at the board table.
Magee’s connection to the district is also personal. She and her husband, married 38 years, raised two sons who graduated from the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District. During those years, she was actively involved in parent-teacher organization leadership and sports fundraising, supporting students both in and outside the classroom.
Before retiring from a career in the dental field about 15 years ago, Magee balanced work, family and community involvement. Today, she continues to stay active in the community and works seasonally at Nueske’s, while also supporting several nonprofit fundraising efforts.
A lifelong learner, Magee recently completed level two certification through the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, continuing to strengthen her role in educational leadership.
In communities like Wittenberg, progress is often shaped by individuals who quietly give their time year after year. Through more than two decades of service on the school board and continued involvement across the community, Magee’s steady leadership has helped support the students, families and organizations that make Wittenberg-Birnamwood such a special place.
