Mrs. Joannie Kalina

District Administrator

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year!  I am confident that it will be another exciting year of learning and thrilled to have the privilege to serve Erin School as your District Administrator.

We are WILD about learning at Erin School. Believe to Achieve is our theme this year. When challenges come, we will… ROAR (Recognize Opportunities & Achieve Results)! Along with this theme students and staff will dig into the concept of  self-efficacy. This is the belief in our own capacity to act in ways necessary to overcome challenges, reach  goals, and be successful. This comes with training, learning and hard work. Of course, these conversations will adjust based on age and stage. This theme was intentional as we continue to find ways to help ALL students gain life skills that will support their academic growth and overall well-being!

We are still striving for 1% better each day.  As usual, Mr. Mueller and our Fuel Up team will have a school song and dance to help us celebrate our accomplishments!

Embracing the strengths of our staff and community, Erin teachers continue to work together to create an engaging learning environment. Our teachers continue to clarify our “guaranteed curriculum,” one that all students experience as they grow and learn at Erin School.  It is an exciting and challenging time in education as we prepare students for a world we can only imagine and a world we all can make better if we choose to do so.

I joined the Erin team at the start of the 2008-09 school year. Previously, I worked as the Director of Instruction for the Kewaskum School District and was a former middle school teacher in both Brown Deer and Waunakee School District. I hold a degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and have a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and a Superintendent license from Concordia University.  My husband and I live in Slinger with our two active high school sons, one college daughter, one daughter who is a new teacher and one really energetic black lab.  I am humbled by the responsibilities of this leadership role  I enjoy partnering with our dedicated school board and staff to provide the very best for our children.

Beliefs that guide my work include:

• Teachers have the most significant influence on student achievement within the classroom.
• Parents are important partners in helping students meet their full potential.
• While all children have different strengths and needs, they all can learn and will grow after spending time in the classrooms at ERIN school.
• Learning should be fun and engaging!
• Education is an investment in OUR future!

I look forward to a year full of  teamwork,  WILD learning and seeing our Erin school community embrace our ROAR!

Mr. Nick Frank

Principal

Welcome back to Erin School! I am extremely excited to be starting my second year as your principal. As we dive into another new school year, I want to highlight some core commitments that will guide us through another amazing year. 

Relationships: Strong relationships are the foundation. Whether you’re a returning student or new to Erin, you’re an essential part of our school community. Our team is here to support you, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has an opportunity to maximize their potential.

Safety: Ensuring a safe and secure school is our top priority. We have taken appropriate measures to provide a setting where everyone can focus on learning without worry. We continuously monitor the building to make sure it is properly maintained and operating at its highest level. 

Collaboration: Education is a team effort. Parents and guardians, we’ll work together to maximize student learning and ensure that Erin is the place for your child to become their best self and make a positive impact on their community. 

Engagement:  Learning is an adventure filled with curiosity and creativity. Our staff is passionate and dedicated to their craft, creating engaging experiences through projects, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Positive School Environment:  Erin’s commitment to positivity is everywhere. Our community and family events, concerts and programs, and ample opportunities for extracurriculars create a positive and enriched environment. Let’s celebrate our successes and support each other throughout another year together. 

Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities at Erin School!

Mrs. Cyndi Tomich

Director of Special Education & Pupil Services

The role of Special Education/Pupil Services Director is to address a wide range of social, emotional, behavioral, and physical issues which may limit students’ abilities to achieve learning outcomes.   Responsibilities include the following areas.

Accountability – The Director insures that special education services are provided for eligible students in the least restrictive environment following state and federal regulations. Cooperative teams of special education and regular education teachers work closely with Special Education Director to document that student’s Individual Educational Plans are implemented and goals and objectives are met.

Procedural Safeguards – The Director monitors the referral and evaluation process that is implemented to identify students in need of special education and related services. The Director works closely with staff and parents to develop a partnership between home and school to promote improvement in core subject areas.

Collaboration – The Director provides leadership and support to regular and special education staff to assist their development of current best practice in standards based instruction to ensure learning for all. The Director consults and meets with DPI support staff and attends state level conferences to keep current on interventions and supports for the Erin school community.

Mrs. Donna Runte

Administrative Assistant/Office Supervisor

As the Administrative Assistant to the District Administrator and Office Supervisor, my job requires much diversity. First is to promote the school and educational philosophy of the Erin School District. I work closely with the District Administrator to prepare information for the School Board and in preparing required Department of Public Instruction reports. Second is to tend to daily tasks such as preparing correspondence, scheduling meetings and taking phone calls. Finally, I maintain our student software system, updating the District Webpage, placing purchase orders, arranging bus transportation, maintaining student files and assisting staff as much as possible.

As the Office Supervisor, my duties are to oversee office staff and tend the front office by greeting students, parents and visitors. Answering the phone, attending to sick children and general office duties are also part of my day.

Cheryl Johrendt

District Bookkeeper

In my position as District Bookkeeper, I am committed to promoting the school and educational philosophy along with maintaining a fiscally fit budget. In doing so, I am responsible for a wide range of duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliation, budget preparation and monitoring, cash flow and investment options along with various reporting requirements and audits.

Also at Erin School District, this position handles all Human Resources responsibilities.   These range anywhere from payroll, administering insurance and other employee benefits, new employee paperwork, various reporting requirements.

Being in a small district allows me to wear many hats.   As Finance and Human Resources are my main job functions, I also help out when and where needed. As my office is located near the front office, I often help with greeting visitors, answering phones, helping sick or injured students.

Brian Versh

Director of Buildings & Grounds

As Director, I have three main areas of responsibility and they are: Planning, Supervision & Evaluation, and Budgeting & Financial Planning.

Planning – It falls under my responsibility to effectively coordinate the scheduling of the maintenance, grounds, and cleaning staff. I must oversee all outside contracting and written preventative maintenance schedules for the building and grounds. I manage and maintain a special project priority list.

Supervision and Evaluation – My responsibilities include AHERA Designated Person, Hazardous Communication Coordinator, Underground Storage Tank Contact Person, Building Accessibility Contact Person and Recycling Coordinator. I further assist the District Administrator to evaluate performance and recommend continued employment, suspension, or discharge of personnel reporting directly to me. I certify all time cards and reports regularly. I inspect school facility for safety, cleanliness and maintenance concerns on a routine and regular basis.

Budgeting and Financial Planning – I assist in the preparing of the annual preliminary maintenance budget. I administer and maintain current inventories of equipment and supplies used in the school district.