Superintendent Search

Somerset School Board Announces Next Superintendent

Dr. David Grambow

The School District of Somerset will welcome David Grambow as the new Superintendent beginning on July 1, 2025. The Somerset School Board approved Dr. Grambow's contract at the May 28 meeting. Grambow said, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve Somerset, as its next Superintendent.  I look forward to working with our School District staff and engaging with the community as we continue to build on the foundation that is already well established in Somerset.”

Board President, Matt Foucault, notes, “Dave brings a variety of administrative experience to our District, and with the help of the team we have, we expect a seamless transition as we change Superintendents.  We look forward to maintaining and expanding our strengths under his leadership.”

Grambow currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Hudson Schools, where he oversees all K–12 Principals as well as members of the Teaching and Learning team. Grambow is also an instructor at the University of St. Thomas, where he teaches leadership courses to both master’s and doctoral students.

Grambow holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UW–River Falls, a Master of Science from Winona State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Whitewater. In addition, he holds a license in Special Education.

Since beginning his career in Hudson in 1995 as a General and Special Education Teacher, Grambow has served in a variety of roles, including Elementary Principal, Associate Director of Learning Services, and System Improvement Director. He was appointed Assistant Superintendent in 2014.

Grambow is the author of two books and has served as a presenter and keynote speaker at numerous professional education events across Wisconsin.

Dave Grambow looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the staff and the entire Somerset community to create thriving schools where every student excels and feels truly supported, continuing to make Somerset the best place to learn and grow. 


Superintendent Candidates

All Application Materials Due by Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Apply Now!  https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-somerset-wi/

HYA

Hazard, Young, and Attea (HYA)

Senior Associate: Scott Winch scottwinch@hyasearch.com

Vice President: Mike Richie mikerichie@hyasearch.com

Search Assistant: Stacy Richie

HYA Website

The Somerset School Board is pleased to partner with Hazard, Young, and Attea (HYA), a national consulting firm, in the search for the next Superintendent for the School District of Somerset. In March, 2025 Superintendent Shannon Donnelly announced her resignation following 13 years of service to the District and Community. The Board plans to select a permanent superintendent by [date], 2025.


This search starts with posting for the position and planning sessions with HYA. In the coming days, weeks, and months, the group will work to connect with stakeholders and gather information from the community on what Somerset is looking for in our next Superintendent. 


Please return to this page often for updates, information, and progress in the search for our next Superintendent.

Anticipated Search Timeline

April 24 - May 8

Online Survey

Focus Groups

  • Thursday, May 1, 2025

  • Sunday, May 4, 2025 (virtual)

  • Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (virtual)

May 15

Slate of candidates presented to the Board

May 19 - 20

First Round Interviews


May 27

Finalists day in the District


May 27

Board conducts final interviews

May 28

Superintendent’s hiring approved and announced

July 1, 2025

Superintendent contract formally begins


Online Survey

You’re invited to complete this anonymous survey which will be used to develop a profile of desired quality and characteristics in the next Superintendent. It will guide recruitment and the development of interview questions. The Survey is for District Staff, Students, Parents, and Community Members.

https://forms.gle/W8XWgen2Ggn9Agq56

The survey will be available through May 8, 2025


Focus Groups

Please attend the appropriate focus group listed below as your feedback is important.  Participants do not need to register, just show up and jump in. Some focus groups listed below are in person only, while others are  Zoom only. If you can’t attend a focus group or you would like to add additional comments from a scheduled focus group in which you attended, please email us your comments at the following email addresses:  

mikerichie@hyasearch.com

scottwinch@hyasearch.com

The same questions will be asked at each  focus group: 

  1. What are the strengths of the School District of Somerset that the next Superintendent can build upon? 

  2. What are the challenges facing the School District of Somerset that the next Superintendent should be aware of, or you would like to see be addressed? 

  3. What characteristics or traits are you looking for in your new Superintendent? 

  4. Is there anything else you would like to share with us regarding the School District of Somerset ?

  5. HYA will be recruiting potential Superintendent candidates for this position. Is there anyone that you can think of that might be a good fit as your new Superintendent that we should contact. If so, please share or email us his/her name and contact information.


Focus Group Schedule

DATE

LOCATION/TYPE

TIME

GROUP NAME

Thursday, May 1

In Person

10:00 AM

Outgoing Superintendent

Thursday, May 1

In Person

10:45 AM

District Office Staff

Thursday, May 1

In Person

11:30 AM

Administrative Team

Thursday, May 1

In Person

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

High School Students

Thursday, May 1

In Person

3:25 PM - 4:15 PM

All District Staff

Thursday, May 1

In Person - High School Multi-Purpose Room

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Parents, Community Members, Businesses, Civic Groups, Chamber

Sunday, May 4

VIRTUAL - Zoom

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Parents, Community Members, Businesses, Civic Groups, Chamber

Wednesday, May 7

VIRTUAL - Zoom

3:25 PM - 4:15 PM

All District Staff

Zoom Information for Virtual Meetings:

https://zoom.us/j/97729512028?pwd=LbT6o4RTZbjGQMYFRfzvf0aMMHj8SD.1

Meeting ID: 977 2951 2028  /  Passcode: 249717


Meet the Finalists

Superintendent Finalists Selected

Somerset Parents, Families and Community Members, meet the Superintendent Finalists!

We invite you to meet the finalists for the Superintendent position. Join us to learn more about David Grambow, Charles Hanson, and Walter Leipart as they share their visions for our schools. You will be able to ask questions, an HYA Associate will be at the meet and greet to facilitate the groups and conversations.

You will be able to provide feedback on each candidate through an online form which will be reviewed by board members prior to making a decision. The School Board is extremely interested in your thoughts and impressions of the three candidates, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet the candidates and share your thoughts. We hope you are able to join us.

CLICK HERE for more details and information about the Finalists!