Superintendent Gavigan to Resign From Whitefish Bay Schools

Whitefish Bay Superintendent Mary Gavigan will leave the school district to pursue a new position with a statewide education agency.

Whitefish Bay School District staff and families were notified Friday that Gavigan, who is in her third year with the district, intends to accept the position of executive director of CESA #1. 

Gavigan notified board members last week. In a letter to staff and families, Whitefish Bay School Board President Pam Woodard wished Gavigan well in her new role.

"The School Board would like to thank Dr. Gavigan for her leadership and steady guidance in challenging and dynamic times in education over the past three years," Woodard said. "During her tenure she worked with all stakeholders to develop a new Whitefish Bay Focus Plan, providing the strategic direction for our schools for the next few years.

"Dr. Gavigan has worked with staff, students and families to position us for a future of continued success in our school district."

The School Board and Gavigan will work together to assure a smooth transition. Woodard said Gavigan will finish out the school year, and the board will likely hire an interim administrator while they search for a new superintendent.

CESA is a state educational agency that partners with school districts to provide educational services. Statewide, CESA is divided into 12 branches, and CESA #1 oversees 45 public school districts in Milwaukee County and five surrounding counties.

Gavigan said her new job is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

"This is really an opportunity to use what I know and all the experiences I've gained as a superintendent and advance to the next level with greater influence," Gavigan said.

Gavigan said it has been a privilege to work with students, staff and families over the last three years, and she believes the district is in a solid position to transition to new leadership.

"Whitefish Bay School District will always remain a very special place for me," she said.