The Oshkosh West Index - Administrative appointment makes history

Volume 103, Issue 8

Online Features

Administrative appointment makes history

By Kim Spaulding
posted 11:25:58 AM CST, May 24, 2007

Administrative shake-ups that began with Pete Cernohous’ installation as principal have concluded with the naming of his replacement. Curriculum Support Specialist Julie Mosher will become assistant principal at West as Dean of Students Tom Wissink takes on a similar role at Oshkosh North.

“I feel a lot of different ways. I went to school here,” said Wissink. “I’ve been working in this building for 14 years, and I know just about everything about it and everybody here; they’re friends and family.”

Wissink feels that the transition will turn out positively in the end, but he will definitely miss the familiar feel of West.

“In that way, it’s really emotional leaving because you’re leaving behind so many great people and friends, and the emotional ties and memories I had,” he said. “There’s another side that’s very excited about going over to North, which is also a great school, and has great staff and students.”

Cernohous will miss the current dean, but is nonetheless happy for his chance at an administrative role.

“I got to know his style, and I think he’s getting the opportunity to make himself a better employee for the district, with some better chances for him,” he said. “I think that will work out well for him.”

The move to North will bring about both new friendships and new challenges. Wissink hopes to make his way into the Spartan scene with relative ease.

“I think North has their own culture in the building and their own uniqueness and way of doing things,” he said. “My biggest goal is to get to know the staff and people I work with and the students over at North.”

Like Wissink, Mosher will be experiencing some first-day jitters as she prepares for the same position here at West, but she feels this will be an interesting change of pace.

“It’s really going to be a job change for me, but I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to the challenge and working with all the students and staff at West High School,” she said.

The current administrative team looks forward to the knowledge and experience that Mosher carries with her, through her work with the curriculum. Cernohous appreciates the support that he will receive from the soon-to-be assistant principal.

“She’ll bring some of her expertise to the school and to the administration with her work with the curriculum, which has been her main forte in the past,” he said. “It’s definitely going to help me out in that sense.”

For Mosher, this job is more than an opportunity to succeed; this is a chance to become a pioneer in the field.

“This will be the first time a female has been an administrator at West High School. So, I’m kind of paving the way here,” she said. “I’ll be bringing a female perspective to administration.”

Though change is never without challenge, Cernohous looks forward to the upcoming paradigm shift.

“I feel very good about [the changes],” said Cernohous. “What I’ve found out since I’ve been in this position as principal is that we are doing a lot in this school compared to most high schools, as far as trying to make learning a better, challenging item for students.”

In the end, it all comes down to the students and their learning needs. Cernohous is optimistic about the outcome of these new positions.

“I don’t see too much of it as an adjustment,” he said. “I look at it as an opportunity for us to continue to make things better in the system here to better serve the teachers and the students.”

Back to Top

Reader Comments:

No Reader Comments Yet, Post Your Own Below

Post Your Own Comment:

Post Your Comments

Write a letter to the editor.

Affordable, Free Ad Design, Advertise Today!

© 2006-2007 Oshkosh West Index