Beranek is named principal of the year

He is also Kohl Foundation award winner

Marathon High School principal Dave Beranek was named Wisconsin Principal of the Year in a ceremony held Thursday in the school auditorium.

Jim Lynch, executive director of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), made the announcement in a gathering that included Beranek’s family, school board members and district residents. The event was live-streamed to Marathon High School students in their classrooms.

“In his more than two decades of leadership at Marathon High School, Dave has opened up opportunities for students to explore their talents across a wide variety of academic and cocurricular programs and activities,” said Lynch. “He has also been a terrific leader of staff, building hiring, training and developing practices that have led to a truly exceptional team of educators at the school. This recognition is well deserved.”

During the ceremony, letters of congratulations were received and read from current and former colleagues, including Owen-Withee superintendent Bob Houts, Prentice Elementary School principal Randy Bergman, former Stratford High School principal Paul Rozak, former Marathon Area Elementary School/Marathon Venture Academy principal Jeff Reiche and former Marathon County Special Education Program director Dr. Eric Hartwig.

Marathon Board of Education president Brian Gumtz said Beranek has shown “dedication through adversity” during the COVID-19 pandemic and proved himself to be “adaptable, diligent and intuitive” in running a high school. He said Beranek’s character showed when he drove 13 miles to hand-off homework to a student kept in a juvenile detention facility.

Marathon School District administrator Rick Parks praised Beranek and his contribution to Marathon Public School success. “Dave has a way of building high achievement through the development of positive relationships with staff and students,” he said. “By incorporating research, encouragement and humor in his professional approach of involving staff in decision making, he is able to bring out the best in his staff. He continually challenges himself through effort and determination, and lets nothing alter his focus on making a positive impact on students and with his family.”

Surprised by the announcement, Beranek said it was “pretty easy” to take on the leadership role of principal when he had a “great community and students” to work with.

He thanked his family for support during his years as principal.

Beranek has been Marathon High School principal for 21 years. He previously worked as a technology teacher at Gale-Ettrick Trempealeau High School. He also taught in the Menasha School District and Stevens Point School District.

Beranek holds educational leadership degrees from Winona State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in technology education from UW-Stout.

In addition to being recognized by AWSA, Beranek is one of 16 principals statewide to receive a 2021 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Leadership Award.