Wauwatosa, WI — On Monday, June 27, 2022, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means’ recommendation to appoint Ms. Suzanne Thomas as Director of Data Quality and Analytics, and Ms. Sarah Dianich as Principal of Whitman Middle School.
Ms. Thomas is a dynamic educational leader who has earned praise for previously building an improvement infrastructure that integrated visible, timely and actionable data with short-cycle goals. She is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who is passionate about developing systems that allow students and staff to learn and perform at the highest level possible. Ms. Thomas has served in public education for more than 22 years, and she has experience in many roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, summer school principal, Associate Principal and Director of Quality and Analytics. Ms. Thomas earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She also earned a Master of Science in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science from Marquette University, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Wauwatosa School District and to join this talented and driven leadership team,” stated Ms. Thomas. “I am committed to building and supporting the Wauwatosa school community to maximize its effective use of data to achieve the best possible outcomes for the students and families that we serve.”
Ms. Dianich brings more than four years of building leadership experience to Whitman Middle School, including two years as Associate Principal of Mukwonago High School. She is a growth-minded professional with proven school safety expertise and a passion for building positive relationships. Ms. Dianich has received a variety of awards throughout her career including Mukwonago Rotary Teacher of the Month, National SAVE Advisor of the Year and Mukwonago Area School District High School Teacher of the Year. She also led the work that received the National Start with Hello Campaign Sandy Hook Promise grand prize. Ms. Dianich received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and a Masters of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Carroll University. Ms. Dianich has also received several certifications including Restorative Practices for Educators (The International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School), Restorative Practices Train-the-Trainer (WI Safe and Health Schools Center), SUSO Train-the-Trainer (Wisconsin Department of Justice) and National Board Certification in English-Language Arts. “I am beyond thrilled and honored to have been given this opportunity to serve in the Wauwatosa School District as the Whitman Middle School principal,” stated Ms. Dianich. “I have already seen the great pride that this community has for their schools, and I am not only eager to become a part of Wauwatosa’s excellent educational traditions but also to bring my own background and experiences to Whitman’s staff, families, and students.”
As with all other administrative positions, the District followed its robust screening and interview process to ensure stakeholder voice was reflected in these decisions.
Prior to making a hiring decision related to the Whitman principalship, initial input was gathered from Whitman families and staff via listening sessions. The District used this information to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for the positions. Both Ms. Thomas and Ms. Dianich participated in panel-style interviews with multiple teams, which consisted of a presentation followed by a question and answer session. After the interviews, teams named their recommended finalists. For the final interview, finalists met with District Administration and a member of the School Board.
Contracts for Ms. Thomas and Ms. Dianich will be effective July 1, 2022.
