Resignations: Maple Grove Principal, District Data and Assessment Coordinator

Maple Grove Elementary School will have its third principal in as many years after the Greenfield School Board approved the resignation of Melissa Yow on Monday.

Yow was hired last June to replace Michelle Weisrock, who was principal for the 2011-12 school year. Yow’s last day will be June 30.

“Melissa had done an excellent job for us throughout this school year,” Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Todd Bugnacki wrote in a memo to the School Board.

“We are disappointed to see her go; however, under Melissa’s leadership and with the efforts of the Maple Grove staff, parents and students, the building has made great strides moving forward and is in a wonderful position to welcome a new leader who will continue with the improvement efforts underway.”

The district will now have to replace two principals; Glenwood's Dan Carr is retiring at the end of the school year.

In addition, the Greenfield School Board approved the resignation of Emily Greiber, the district data and assessment coordinator, effective April 5.

Greiber has served in her current role for two years after being an assistant principal at Greenfield Middle School for three.

Two board members voted against the resignation, including Rick Moze, who said administrators should be required to give more notice before leaving the district just as teachers are.

The district has now had four administrators resign since the start of the calendar year – these two as well as former Superintendent Conrad Farner and former Business Director Kristin Kollath.

Several other administrators have left in recent years. Interim Superintendent David Ewald said it is important to figure out why there is so much administrative turnover.

“When administrators turn over, it’s not just a single classroom that’s impacted,” he said. “That’s a big deal.

“It’s very difficult to bring someone in and have that leader be up to speed. Ask why they are going and have exit interviews. Why is this going on? It’s not always the same for everybody, but our numbers are so large, there is something there we need to identify.”