The La Crosse School District's Jerry Kember has been named 2010 Superintendent of the

Year by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.

"It is very humbling and, at the same time, I think it's a real affirmation to the great things going on in La Crosse schools," Kember said.

"The real recognition goes to our staff, our students, our parents and our school board. I'm just lucky enough to be the face of the organization."

Kember has been La Crosse superintendent since 2003, after serving as the district's associate superintendent of instruction and the supervisor of fine arts. He has been involved with La Crosse schools for 21 years.

"We are fortunate to have a leader like Jerry," La Crosse School Board President Chris Clair said. "His leadership is one of the reasons La Crosse has great schools and programs that meet students' unique learning needs."

Under Kember's leadership, the district has started innovative and award-winning programs such as North Woods International School, an internationally themed elementary school; the Health Science Academy, a partnership that provides health and science courses, medical mentors and career exploration for high school students; and a 4-year-old preschool program that partners with several area day care providers and became a model throughout the state.

Kember is an active member of the community, having served on several area boards that include the United Way, Viterbo University Ethics Advisory Board and La Crosse Public Library Board.

He was instrumental in developing the La Crosse City/County/ School District Collaboration and currently is chairman of the Rotary Club Youth Committee. Kember also is on the board of the Wisconsin School Music Association and has been appointed by the governor to

the Wisconsin Arts Board since 2001.

Kember was nominated by the school board and will receive his award at a statewide School Board and Administrators Convention in Milwaukee in January. He is eligible to receive the national award.

Former La Crosse Superintendent Dick Swantz was honored in the past.