Southern Door elementary principal also will be middle school principal in cost-saving move

BRUSSELS - Southern Door Elementary School principal Marc Vandenhouten will add the title of middle school principal to his responsibilities in a cost-saving move, the Southern Door School District announced Tuesday.

The district was looking to replace elementary school principal Kami Harvey, who resigned effective June 30 after less than a year on the job. Having Vandenhouten serve as principal for both schools is part of "a cost-saving strategy by consolidating leadership roles," a press release from the school district said.

"This strategic decision allows us to allocate resources more efficiently," the press release said, "ensuring that our budget is used effectively to benefit our students and community while aligning resources from Early Childhood through grade 8 to serve students best.

"Vandenhouten, with his extensive experience and established relationships, is well-equipped to take on this new role. His existing connections and working relationships with middle school students, parents, and staff will be valuable assets as he transitions into this expanded leadership position."

Vandenhouten has been elementary school principal for Southern Door since 2022. His career in education began as an elementary teacher in the Southern Door and Kewaunee school districts. He later served as principal of Little Chute Elementary and St. Mary School in Luxemburg before returning to Southern Door, where in addition to serving as elementary principal, he was part of the team that helped the district win two successful referendums in 2022.

Earlier this year, Vandenhouten was one of three finalists for Southern Door's vacant superintendent position that eventually went to Kevin Krutzik, who will take over from interim superintendent Tony Klaubauf on July 1.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Southern Door elementary principal to double as middle school principal