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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Monday, September 01, 2008

New Holmen superintendent is learning the ropes

By JO ANNE KILLEEN | Holmen Courier

HOLMEN — Dale Carlson, the new district administrator for the Holmen School District, is spending a lot of time studying, just like the students he has been hired to serve.

“I’m in a learning phase,” Carlson said. “My personal priority is to take every opportunity to observe and learn, assess the status of the districts’ programs, processes and systems that are in place.”

The decision to move his family from Janesville, Wis., to take the job in Holmen was based on how he and his wife, Sharon, felt as parents in placing their sons in the school district.

“I’m a parent,” Carlson said. “And I will place my two sons (ages 13 and 10) over any career opportunity.”

He said he feels fortunate that the career decision and the location are a good fit.

The son of a pastor, Carlson was born in Florida but raised in Iowa, graduating from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, Iowa. He met his wife in college.

Carlson said he was fortunate to come to a district with a strong reputation and foundation.

“In fairness to the district and the leadership over the years, I need to learn and be patient as we look to see how we can build on our strengths to provide the best environment possible for the students,” he said.

Carlson said he needs to get a handle on the financial situation, challenge the staff to improve themselves and each other in the work they do and provide quality service to parents and the community.

Holmen has grown more rapidly than any town or city in La Crosse County. Preliminary estimates of the population show Holmen’s population increased 27.4 percent from 2000 to 2008.

“The rate of growth will require us to plan for the future,” Carlson said.

Student achievement is at the top of the priority list. “Academic achievement is the primary focus,” Carlson said. “We’re placing a priority on a high level of learning. Plus, we’re looking at overall growth of the student.”