Nearing the end of her two-year contractual tenure, Whitewater Schools’ Administrator Dr. Suzanne Zentner has tendered her resignation, for employment in Arizona.
One wishes her the best; she’ll do well.
Sadly, Zentner’s departure creates significant risks for Whitewater. Although I thought her early months as administrator went poorly, she’s proved to be a significant asset to our community. Suzanne Zentner did not have the benefit of a worthy act to follow — her immediate predecessor, Leslie Steinhaus, was an abject disappointment, who left the district drifting on most occasions, and heading in the wrong direction on those rare moments when she did act.
Whitewater’s problems during that earlier time were considerable. One could disagree with aspects of Zentner’s focus, but her manifest creativity and energy were what Whitewater so very much needed.
The district will have to consider a permanent replacement at a time when Wisconsin’s schools are beset by fiscal problems. Talented candidates from outside the state will avoid Wisconsin; candidates from within Wisconsin may be third-tier prospects who are uncompetitive elsewhere.
Although we’re a community that wisely chose Zentner, we’re also the community that foolishly chose her predecessor, Steinhaus — twice (both hired and renewed). Zentner was a welcome relief from Whitewater’s business-as-usual approach.
It’s true that fiscal policy matters for Whitewater’s schools, but it matters as a means to accomplishment in academics, the arts, and athletics. I’m more than prepared to argue over dollars-and-cents, but that debate comes in the context of higher concerns (of the extended curriculum and of fair treatment of all students).
Accomplishment will not come from dull, tired, status-quo solutions. Zentner assured a contemporary direction.
There will be much desire to shape, guide, and direct a hiring effort along the lines that Old Whitewater so very much wishes. Nothing — nothing — could be worse for this district than that approach.
Still, more than one town squire will scheme for exactly that.