PORT WASHINGTON — Grafton School District Director of Teaching and Learning Michael McMahon has been selected to serve as the new superintendent at the Port Washington- Saukville School District.
The Port Washington-Saukville School District Board of Education last week appointed McMahon after conducting interviews with him and another finalist, Michael Juech.
"I am beyond excited to serve the Port Washington-Saukville School District as its next superintendent," McMahon said in a press release from the school district. "Spending a day in the district and meeting students, teachers, staff and community members during the search process has solidified my belief that PWSSD is an exceptional place for students and staff. I am honored to be a part of it moving forward."
McMahon will officially begin his duties on July 1. Until then, Mel Nettesheim will continue as interim superintendent for the remainder of this school year. The former superintendent was David Watkins who served in that position from July 2021 to June 2023.
McMahon
"We are thrilled to name Dr. McMahon as our next superintendent, as we believe he possesses the right mix of visionary leadership, strong communication skills and a focus on student growth and achievement," said School Board President Brenda Fritsch. "We want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process and who have made their voices heard. We look forward to seeing the impact Dr. McMahon will have on our students, staff, families and community as we move forward together."
McMahon has served as director of Teaching and Learning in the Grafton School District for the past three years. Before that, he was an elementary school principal in Grafton, following a school leadership role in the Wausau School District, according to the press release. He started his career in education as a fourth-grade teacher, serving in public schools in both Chippewa Falls and Poynette.
McMahon holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Edgewood College, and a master’s degree in educational professional development from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, according to the press release. He also earned an administrative degree from UW-Superior, along with a bachelor’s degree in elementary/middle education from UW-Eau Claire.
McMahon lives in Saukville with his wife, Julia, and their three children.
The board conducted a comprehensive national search to find and select the district’s next superintendent, according to the press release.
The process included a community survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and in-district visits by the finalists. The board was assisted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates search firm throughout the process.
