Lee Thennes (Photo courtesy: Manitowoc Public School District)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Manitowoc Public School District announced its selection Wednesday for interim superintendent.
Former Lincoln High School principal and teacher Lee Thennes will serve in the role while the Board of Education conducts a search for the position. His interim appointment will start after the Board negotiates and approves his contract, which will run through June 30, 2025.
The news comes about three weeks after former Superintendent James Feil resigned Aug. 22.
In a news release, Thennes said:
Serving this community, where pride in our schools runs deep, is a privilege I take to heart. I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence, supporting our dedicated staff, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will build on the foundation of community that makes Manitowoc so special.
Thennes has spent nearly two decades with the district, both as a high school social studies teacher and as principal of Wilson Junior High and Lincoln High. Last year, he moved to the Central Office, where he served as the Director of Federal and State Programs and lead the district’s team of principals.
Thennes has volunteered for nine years on the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees and has served as board president for a local homeless shelter, The Haven of Manitowoc County, since 2019.
Thennes’ wife, Erin, is a school counselor at Lincoln. Their daughter, Samantha, is a senior at Lincoln and their son, Carter, is a junior.
Aside from four years as an associate principal in Sheboygan, Thennes has spent his entire educational career in the Manitowoc Public School District.
Keith Shaw, a member of the Board of Education, said in the release that Thennes “brings a level of intelligence, stability and the respect of colleagues, teachers and administrators and directors, as well as many community leaders for this district, which is extremely important now.”
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