Wauwatosa School District: Names Wauwatosa West Principal and Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Mr. Corey Golla will serve as Wauwatosa West High School Principal. Mr. Golla is a forward-thinking administrator who is committed to applying the principles of continuous improvement to ensure success for all students. He brings more than 15 years of administrative leadership experience to this role. He has served as the Athletic + Activities Director and Interim Principal in the School District of Elmbrook, as well as High School Principal; Director of Curriculum and Instruction; and, most recently, Superintendent of Schools in the School District of Menomonee Falls. He is a published author and has made multiple presentations at educational events across the country. Mr. Golla earned two Bachelor of Science degrees – one in Political Science and another in History – from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. He also earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from Marian University. Mr. Golla is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Mr. Golla has been recognized with various awards including the What’s Right in Education Award, Brookfield Jaycees Award for Distinguished Service and Elmbrook School District Outstanding Employee Award.  “I am excited to join the Wauwatosa West community on this next leg of my career,” stated Mr. Golla. “Thank you to everyone involved in the process that helped me connect with your school. There are no limits to what we can accomplish together.”

Ms. LaShawnda Holland will serve as the District’s Director of Diversity + Inclusion. Ms. Holland is an exceptionally dedicated, forward-thinking educator with an incredible record of effective leadership, student results and family engagement. She has proven experience in meeting the needs of historically marginalized students and creating equitable yet challenging school conditions in which all students and staff can thrive. In her roles as principal in the Milwaukee Public School District, as well as at Cross Trainers Academy and La Casa de Esperanza Charter School, Ms. Holland demonstrated success in the development of instructional programs focused on academic improvement, strategic transformation and expanding access to critical opportunities. Ms. Holland earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, a Masters of Science – Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Masters of Education – Administrative Leadership from National Louis University. “I am very excited to join the Wauwatosa School District as the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion. As a change agent,  I will work diligently to ensure that students feel safe, welcomed and represented within their specific schools,” stated Ms. Holland. “I plan to work directly with students and families to ensure their voices are heard. My goal is to help the team in the Wauwatosa School District become comfortable with being uncomfortable as we address challenging areas that are hindering student growth.”

“The hires of Mr. Golla and Ms. Holland are exactly what the Wauwatosa School District needs to complement our existing leadership team,” said Dr. Means. “The unique talents and strengths of each of our leaders positions the district for success and, therefore, will serve to advance and enhance the education of our students.”

The District followed its robust screening and interview process to ensure stakeholder voice was reflected in the final decision.

Prior to making a hiring decision for the Wauwatosa West principalship, initial input was gathered from families and staff via listening sessions. The District used this information to develop a school profile, which was then used to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for the position. Mr. Golla and Ms. Holland both participated in panel-style interviews, which consisted of a presentation followed by a question and answer session. After the interviews, interview teams named their recommended finalists. For the final interview, Mr. Golla met with a student team, district administrators and a member of the School Board. Ms. Holland met with two interview teams composed of district leaders.

Contracts for Mr. Golla and Ms. Holland will be effective July 1, 2022.