Please welcome our new Superintendent!
The School District of Brown Deer Board of Education is pleased to announce they have selected Dr. Katrice Cotton as the district’s new superintendent effective July 1, 2024. The Board of Education is confident that Dr. Cotton’s expertise and dedication will elevate the educational experience for all members of the school community. School Board President, Dr. Todd Beadle, stated, “The Board of Education is excited to have Dr. Cotton join the School District of Brown Deer. Her leadership, passion, and commitment to education is infectious and will help lead our great district to the next level in educational excellence.” The School District of Brown Deer and the Board of Education look forward to supporting Dr. Cotton in her new role.
Meet the Finalists
The three finalists were announced and advanced in the selection process for the School District of Brown Deer's Superintendent position. The Board for the School District of Brown Deer, along with community stakeholders, participated in a community forum with the finalists on March 16, 2024 (Find more information below).
The three finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
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Matthew Boswell
Mr. Boswell is currently serving as Senior Director of Student Services with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). His previous roles with MPS include Regional Director of Schools, Principal at Vincent High School, and Guidance Counselor at Bay View High School. Mr. Boswell served as a psychotherapist at the Counseling Center of Milwaukee and the Ethan Allen Correctional Facility. He currently serves on the City of Milwaukee Social Development Commission.
Mr. Boswell holds an M.S. in Guidance & Counseling and a B.A. in Human Development both from UW-Stout.
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Dr. Katrice Cotton
Dr. Cotton is currently serving as Chief School Administration Officer for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Her previous roles with MPS included Regional Director of Schools, Principal at Audubon Technical and Communications Center, and earlier as a Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher also at Audubon.
Dr. Cotton holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from National Louis University, an M.A. from Marian University, a M.S. from National Louis University, and a B.S. from UW-Madison.
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Dr. Keona Jones
Dr. Jones is currently serving as Assistant State Superintendent of Schools with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Her previous roles included Deputy Chief of Schools with Racine Unified School District, Principal at Lakeshore Middle School with the Mequon-Thiensville School District; Principal at Thurston Woods School, and Early Childhood Coordinator both with MPS. She earlier was Executive Director with Malaika Early Learning Center in Milwaukee and a Special Education Teacher at Congress School with MPS.
Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate in Education (Ph.D.) from Cardinal Stritch University, an M.A. in Special Educational Leadership, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership also from Cardinal Stritch. Her B.S. is in Special Education from UW-Whitewater.
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Timeline for Superintendent Search
- December - Launch Candidate Posting
- January - Initiate the Staff/Community Survey (See Below), close the candidate application process, and close and review the survey
- February- Review qualified candidates and start the interview processes
- March- Begin finalist interviews, invite the community to Finalist Presentations, select a candidate, and announce the new Superintendent
- April- Announce the transition plan for bringing on the new Superintendent.
How the community was involved:
- The community had the opportunity to fill out a Community Survey to let the Board of Education know what kind of candidate they are looking for to represent their students and the Brown Deer community. The information provided played an influential role in helping the Board of Education know the concerns, goals, and opinions the community had on the necessary characteristics or attributes for the next Brown Deer Superintendent. The survey closed on Monday, January 22, 2024.
- The community was also invited to attend the Finalist Presentations at the Community Forum on Saturday, March 16, 2024. During the Community Forum, the public had the opportunity to engage and learn more about each finalist and their aspirations to successfully lead the district's students and staff. The event took place in the MHS South Commons (Cafeteria).
The Search for the District's Next Superintendent.
On December 11, 2023, Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown announced that she had accepted the position of Superintendent for the Waunakee Community School District effective July 1, 2024. The Board of Education is thankful for the incredible work Dr. Kelsey-Brown has done in her time with Brown Deer and wishes her well as she starts this new journey. The Board of Education also looks forward to working with Dr. Kelsey-Brown over the next five months as we search for the next superintendent. The Board of Education will keep the staff, parents, and the community informed as the hiring process for the next superintendent moves forward.
The shared goal and purpose of the Board of Education is to find outstanding candidates for the superintendent position. This will be done through a transparent and accessible superintendent search process, guided by the input and needs of the Brown Deer community.
A Message From Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, Superintendent
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible eight years of service I have had the privilege of contributing to the School District of Brown Deer, four of which were spent serving as Superintendent. It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate community, and I am truly grateful for the experiences, growth, and cherished memories that have enriched my professional journey. As of July 1, 2024, I will be transitioning to a new chapter as the Superintendent of the Waunakee Community School District. While I am excited about this new opportunity, leaving Brown Deer is bittersweet, and I will always hold the memories and relationships formed here close to my heart.
To the Board of Education, thank you for your support during my tenure. To the parents and families of Brown Deer, thank you for entrusting me with the education and well-being of your children. Your partnership and engagement have been instrumental in creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of the administration, teachers, and staff members who have tirelessly contributed to the success of our students. Your passion for education and commitment to fostering a positive learning experience have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless young minds.
Last but certainly not least, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our incredible students. Your curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm for learning have been a constant source of inspiration. It has been a privilege to witness your growth and achievements over the years. I depart with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude for the wonderful community of Brown Deer. As I embark on this new journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the shared commitment to educational excellence. Thank you once again for the incredible eight years of service, support, and collaboration. I will continue this work until June 30, 2023. I look forward to carrying the spirit of Brown Deer with me as I continue to serve in my new capacity.
I wish the School District of Brown Deer continued success and prosperity.
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