Michael Budisch, Director
Mike began his educational career by obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree at UW-LaCrosse in Elementary Education/History (‘74) and found his first classroom of fourth graders in Richland Center, WI. During his 9 years of continued learning and teaching, he initiated his MS(‘80) in Administrative Leadership at UW-Milwaukee. While in grades 4, 5, 6, or a combination thereof, he also managed/led the school of 300 children as a teaching principal.
Mike continued his passion for learning and obtained his Specialist Degree at UW-M in 1988. Thereby providing the opportunity to become Superintendent/Principal of Stone Bank School (87-96). He served the district in multiple capacities, including the special education services with the Arrowhead Area Cooperative. During this time, the school districts diversified their offerings and began to provide educational/therapeutic programs within their home schools. The K-8 schools worked closely with Arrowhead High School when the students transitioned to the 9-12 setting to be certain the program met the needs of the incoming freshmen.
In 1996, he became the interim superintendent at Merton Community School District (Pre-K-8), while also serving the district as principal of the newly constructed Merton Primary School 5K-3. The district grew and developed a full day 5K program and then strengthened its program as an early intervention school by providing an Early Childhood/4K program. Mike led the district’s grade level teams and parent involvement in reimagining the school’s direction for inclusionary practices. His 23 years at Merton were filled with challenges and accomplishments, including 3 consecutive years of a DPI School of Recognition for High Achievement. Mike received a Kohl Leadership Award as a Principal of the Year in 2016. He retired after 44 years in education in 2019.
Mike is affiliated with the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and its Principals’ Center, a professional development extension for practicing school leaders. He continues to coach new principals around the state through the Association Of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA).
He is a proud father of 2 daughters and grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters.