With a bit of emotion and a show of gratitude, the Oconto Falls School Board on Nov. 11 “regretfully but respectfully” approved Superintendent Dean Hess’ retirement request, effective at the end of the school year.
When the matter came up on the agenda, Hess seemed to pause to collect himself before saying, “I’m asking the board to consider taking action on the retirement of the superintendent after 10 years of service.”
After accepting a motion and second, board President Clint Gardebrecht read a statement “to acknowledge the progress we’ve made as a district under his leadership” since Hess was hired in 2015. As an example, he pointed to the growth of the district’s fund balance, its financial reserves or savings account. “Dean took over a district operating with a fund balance of only around $500,000, which was less than 3% of our annual budget,” Gardebrecht said. “By contrast, our fund balance today is approximately $3.7 million or 12% of our annual budget.”
Hess also beefed up the district’s capital improvement account and bolstered the post-employee benefits. He guided the district in successful referendum questions that gave Oconto Falls voter approval to exceed state-imposed levy limits and to build the new middle school scheduled to open in September 2025, Gardebrecht said.
He credited Hess with spearheading the school district’s first strategic community-based planning session, known as Destination Education, in 2017, improving the compensation model for district employees, and implementing an annual employee satisfaction survey to help find ways to improve the school culture.
“In the face of adversity, it takes real leaders to make tough decisions,” Gardebrecht said. “I rarely encountered a leader so willing to tackle the hard tasks.”
He noted Hess’ involvement in the greater community, where he is active in the Oconto Falls Lions Club and chamber of commerce, as well as the successful effort to build the Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument next to the school district offices on North Farm Road.
“Dean, thank you for your service to the Oconto Falls School District. I wish you and your wife, Lucy, the best in retirement,” Gardebrecht said.
Board member Chad Earley also thanked Hess for his service and for giving the board plenty of time to search for a new superintendent. Hess’ last day with the district is expected to be June 30, 2025.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
Board accepts Hess retirement request
