Schroeder suggested for top job at Parker
Photo 
Steve Schroeder
JANESVILLE — For years, Steve Schroeder’s voicemail message has ended with the same words: “Gooooooo Vikings!”
The assistant principal at Janesville’s west-side high school might never alter that phrase, but he’ll probably be getting a new phone number.
Superintendent Tom Evert is recommending Schroeder as the school’s next principal.
“As one of the interview committee members told me, ‘He bleeds green and gold,’” Evert said Thursday, referring to the Parker Viking colors.
The Janesville School Board will be asked to approve the recommendation when it meets Tuesday night.
Schroeder is not 100 percent sure he wants to be principal, however. He has asked to be appointed on an interim basis, with the intention of confirming that the job is a good fit before committing to continue, Evert said.
Schroeder’s love of athletics and being the Parker athletics director is what has given him pause, Evert indicated.
Evert said he expects Schroeder would make a final decision by the end of the upcoming fall semester.
If Schroeder still wants it at that time, Evert said he would recommend “without qualification” that the school board make him the permanent principal.
Schroeder was one of three finalists for the job. The others were Mark Coombs, assistant principal at Craig High School, and Steve Salerno, principal at Marshall Middle School.
Salerno withdrew his application at his final interview, Evert said, because Salerno is interested in a different job that recently opened up: director of administrative and human services.
Steve Johnson is leaving the director’s post to become superintendent in the Stevens Point School District.
Evert said Johnson’s position has been posted within the district but won’t be advertised elsewhere. He hopes to have a recommendation for that position in time for the school board to consider it at its July 8 meeting.
If the board confirms Schroeder, he would be hired at an annual salary of $115,450.
Schroeder has been assistant principal at Parker since 1991. He was a finalist for the Parker principal job nine years ago. He completed a doctorate in Educational Administration at Edgewood College in 2006.
“Steve is a very student-centered administrator. He knows individual students and is able to help students deal with a student’s profile of strengths and weaknesses,” Evert said. “He has been extremely visible, not only by his commitment to the athletic program but also musical and plays.”
Schroeder has indicated he would work to improve teaching and test scores, Evert said.
“I’m excited about the recommendation and know that students and staff will benefit from his enthusiasm and zest for Parker High School,” Evert said.
Jun 12, 2008 at 6:43 p.m.
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In an earlier article on this site, Dr. Evert said that the process was open to local candidates, but if a good candidate from outside the district were to apply they would consider them. If they hadn't found a good candidate within the district, I heard that they were going to appoint an interim principal anyway. What's the big deal? I'd rather see Parker have someone who knows the school and students with an interest in the position, than someone from downtown or elsewhere who doesn't know anything.
Jun 12, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
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NVgrf...I do not disagree with you, but is it really fair to other interested candidates to grant Dr. Schroeders' request to basically "test the waters" by granting him "interim" status? ("Schroeder is not 100 percent sure he wants to be principal")
If, at this stage of his career he is not positive that his career goal outweighs his "love of athletics and being the Parker athletics director" he should have the integrity to stand aside until he is sure.
Other good candidates have too much invested to allow his indecision to have an impact on their careers.
Jun 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
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The School District of Janesville got it right. Having worked with Dr. Schroeder for 14 years, I am overjoyed at his selection as "head Viking". No one has loved Parker more, and worked harder to help students than Steve Schroeder. His enthusiasm alone will infuse great energy into the Viking community. Congratulations to Dr. Evert for his selection, and to the Board for their approval!
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.
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JohnDoe- I don't think Steve Schroeder is unsure of wanting the principal job. I think he is more unsure of leaving the athletic director position. From what I have heard, he is really involved in sports and it is an aspect of his job that he would miss.
Jun 6, 2008 at 9:57 p.m.
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Either lead, follow, or get out of the way.
Jun 6, 2008 at 9:56 p.m.
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Nothing against Dr. Schroeder, but, if at this point in your career, you don't know what you want to do, perhaps you should stand aside for those who do know what they want.
Jun 6, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
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Dr Salerno is interested in the position because that is what his degree is in. He earned his degree and why not put it to use. This man truly loves, not only his students, but their families as well. Just tonight, we celebrated with Dr. Salerno and his children at our 8th grade "end of the year" dance. He will be completely able to "take care of the students" in Mr. Johnson's position. Perhaps better than they were handled previously. I'm not asking anyone to be impressed by someone they do not know....just give a person a break before you jump to conclusions. I wish Dr. Salerno the best in whatever happens in his future. Whether he stays a cardinal or goes to the JSD's main office.
Jun 6, 2008 at 2:01 p.m.
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I do know Dr. Salerno- that is why I posted what I did. I am unimpressed.
Jun 6, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.
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I would welcome Dr. Salerno as a Director for the school district. Dr. Johnson seemed rude and arrogant in my dealings with him, as a parent and as a professional. Steve Salerno is open to new ideas from students, parents, teachers, and support staff, and that open-mindedness is BADLY needed on the district level.
Jun 6, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
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I suggest you get to know Salerno before you start posting ignorant comments about him. I have never met a man more vested in the interests of his students than Dr. Steve Salerno
Jun 6, 2008 at 11:55 a.m.
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Agreed!
Jun 6, 2008 at 11:25 a.m.
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From what I know of Salerno, he would fit right in with the legacy of Steve Johnson. And that's not a compliment.
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:57 a.m.
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Dr. Salerno seems more interested in moving up in the district than taking care of students.
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