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Beloit Turner promotes teacher to principal

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Ryan Bertelsen

BELOIT TOWNSHIP — A special education teacher at Beloit Turner High School will take over as principal of the school next year.

Ryan Bertelsen was picked from a pool of 23 candidates to replace Mike Kolff, who is retiring at the end of June.

Bertelsen is a special education instructor, athletic director and site level team leader at Turner.

After two rounds of interviews, he was seen as the clear and unanimous choice of all interview committee members, according to a district news release.

Bertelsen is viewed as a respected leader and communicator among his peers and will have the support of staff, students, parents and the community, Superintendent Dennis McCarthy said in a news release.

"As a past graduate of Turner High School, he clearly embodies the passion and deep sense of pride that we want in our leaders," McCarthy wrote in a statement.

"Every decision that Ryan makes is with the best interest of students in mind. The fact that he knows our vision and has been an integral leader in moving our high school forward only makes the transition of leadership from Mr. Kolff to Mr. Bertelsen that much easier," he said.

Bertelsen earned a degree in special education at UW-Whitewater in May 2003. He taught in the Beloit School District for two years before starting at Turner Middle School.

During his past three years at the high school, he also has served as head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach.

Bertelsen's salary will be $93,000. Kolff's salary is $98,159.

Board President Doug Clark said he was pleased and proud of Bertelsen's selection.

"It has been a pleasure to watch Mr. Bertelsen grow and develop as a student, educator and leader here at Turner," Clark said. "We are very fortunate as a community to have such a fine young man with the will, desire and commitment to lead our students and staff with the shared vision of what Turner High School can and will be."

Bertelsen is completing his master's degree from Aurora University. Final stipulations of the contract are dependent on him securing licensure before beginning as principal July 1.