Sullivan to step down
Medford district administrator Pat Sullivan has officially announced plans to retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Sullivan has been the head administrator at Medford Area Public Schools for 15 years since starting in the summer of 2009 succeeding Steve Russ.
“In the 15 years in this district, I have nothing but good memories,” Sullivan said to members of the Medford school board on Monday night as board members voted to accept his letter of resignation.
Sullivan described going to the Medford School District with his sons in See SULLIVAN on page 3 elementary school and having them all graduate from Medford. His youngest son is in his second year of college now.
“Shawn and I moved here with three boys, one in kindergarten, one in second grade and our oldest in fifth grade. We enjoyed every minute of their school years and will always be proud that all graduated from Medford School District,” Sullivan stated in his resignation letter to the school board.
“It was a great move for my wife and kids,” Sullivan said, thanking the board and the community for their support over the years.
In a statement emailed to school staff on Monday night, Sullivan stated “While I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life, I would be lying if I said I will not miss all of you. My time here in Medford, (15 years) will always be a highlight of my 33 year career in education. I will greatly miss the day to day interactions with the kids and the best public school employees out there.”
Sullivan will stay in his position through June 30, the end of the school district’s fiscal year.
Prior to coming to Medford, Sullivan served eight years as a principal of Northland Pines High School in Eagle River. Prior to that he taught high school social studies in Reedsburg and in Melrose-Midoro where he also coached basketball and served as athletic director.
In addition to Pat Sullivan retiring his wife, Shawn, who is a special education teacher at Stetsonville Elementary School as well as the head track coach for Medford Area Senior high School also announced her retirement at the end of the school year when she will give up both her teaching and coaching position.
“After much consideration, I have decided that it is the right time for me to embark on a new chapter in my life. It has been an incredible privilege to serve as an educator in this district for the past four years,” she stated in her resignation letter.
Pat Sullivan said they plan to move back to the Eagle River area after retirement.
The school board will begin the process of searching for a new school district administrator.
On January 18, members of the Taylor County Democratic Party gather to write, “Valentines for Vets.” They made cards that will be sent to the Department of Veteran Affairs that will then be sent to veteran homes around Wisconsin. Organizers said that they don’t want people to think of the political aspect of it, but to encourage helping not only those who served the country, but to help the community as a whole. They plan on hosting other volunteer events in the future, helping the community in the ways they can. Pictured are (l. to r.) John Germain, Joyce Krueger, Jim Davis, Peggy Stallheim and Richard Pulcher. ARIANA FARRIS/THE STAR NEWS
