(BEAVER DAM) Students and families at Beaver Dam High School will see new leadership this fall.
The school district has named Katherine “Kate” O’Hara as the next principal, with her first day set for July 1.
District leaders say O’Hara stood out after a wide search that brought in a strong group of candidates. They point to her experience and focus on student success as key reasons for the hire.
O’Hara has worked in several school leadership roles, including as a principal and associate principal in Fond du Lac. More recently, she has been an assistant director for special education in the Appleton Area School District. She also has ties to Beaver Dam, where she taught at the high school earlier in her career.
She holds degrees from Butler University, Cardinal Stritch University and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, with a focus on special education and educational leadership.
Superintendent Mark DiStefano said O’Hara brings a clear commitment to students and high expectations for learning. He said the district is looking forward to her leadership.
The change comes as longtime educator John Casper prepares to step away. He has served as interim principal this school year and plans to retire at the end of the term after more than three decades with the district.
Casper will stay on through June to help with the transition.
