School Board Introduces New Superintendent

Patricia Herdrich formally introduced herself  — actually, reintroduced herself — to Menomonee Falls Monday as the School Board unanimously approved appointing her as the district’s new superintendent.

Herdrich will take the district reigns from Keith Marty on July 1 as he leaves to become the superintendent of Parkway School District in suburban St. Louis. Herdrich is just the sixth superintendent in the 68-year history of the district. She is also Falls' first female superintendent.

“The School Board was very impressed with the things that Herdrich has done in her career, and we were very impressed with how she interacted with us and others,” said School Board President Kathy Shurilla. “We believe that she will be the right person to lead Menomonee Falls into the future.”

Herdrich served as superintendent of West Bend Joint School District No. 1 for six years prior to accepting the post in Menomonee Falls. West Bend is a district of about 7,100 students.

For Herdrich, who served as assistant principal of North Junior High School and principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary in the 1980s, the new position is a homecoming. Herdrich said she has worked on administrative teams with five of the past six superintendents in Menomonee Falls.

“I’ve had the opportunity to actually have already worked with a number of the leadership team members here,” Herdrich said. “It’s a pleasure to join this team, which is fundamentally strong, and add value to that.”

Herdrich signed a two-year contract with a starting salary of $158,000 with the district. She will contribute 5.8 percent toward her retirement pension. The district will also provide $3,000 for moving expenses, and a $400 monthly allowance for an automobile plus mileage reimbursement.

According to the Department of Public Instruction, Herdrich’s 2010-11 salary in West Bend is $152,254 with fringe benefits of $39,927.

Herdrich takes over a district that is facing a $5.1 million budget deficit, and is clouded in uncertainty regarding the budget repair bill.

Despite financial constraints in West Bend, Herdrich guided the district to numerous awards and it was named as one of Newsweek’s top high schools in the country four of her six years.

“It’s a turbulent time in public education – we know that. We know budgets are tight, and it’s placing a significant amount of pressure onto communities,” Herdrich said. “As we look at transitions and journeys, you have a great history of excellence and I’ll be joining a team that already is strong, and continue to forge into the future.”