Greenfield Superintendent Discusses Pursuit of Falls Opening

The Menomonee Falls superintendent vacancy was a good fit for Greenfield Superintendent Conrad Farner, so he, like nearly 30 other candidates, threw his name in the hat.

Now, only three names remain.

Farner to replace Dr. Keith Marty, who in January announced he would be stepping down at the end of the school year. Farner has been the superintendent in Greenfield since 2007.

"Menomonee Falls is a highly regarded district and community," Farner said. "The village is a beautiful place to live and the schools have a great reputation. I did my practicum for the superintendency there many years ago and really enjoyed the experience."

Farner and the other finalists - Charles W. Johns, the principal at Rolling Meadows High School in Palentine, Ill., and West Bend Joint School District #1 Superintendent Dr. Patricia Herdrich - are undergoing a series of interviews this week, and the top choice is expected to be introduced at the Menomonee Falls School Board meeting May 9.

Farner said he is happy to be one of the finalists but added it was premature to discuss leaving Greenfield. 

"There are two other candidates, both of whom are highly qualified and one of whom I know personally to be an outstanding superintendent," he said. "I can tell you that after eight years in Greenfield, there are many accomplishments of which I am extremely proud."

Perhaps at the top of the list are the successful referendums for the high school, performing arts center, pool and utility building and building a new administration center.

Farner said he was also proud of coming in under budget four consecutive years, overseeing a $35 million operating budget with more than 400 employees and two bargaining units without a human resources department, the district's professional development program for teachers and the district's effective use of technology to improve student learning, enhance communication and create operational efficiencies, among many other initiatives and procedures "that are providing a great return on the investment for our community," he said.

Farner said the most difficult part about leaving Greenfield would be leaving behind the district's team of educators. Despite making approximately $5 million in reductions to programs and staff over the last few years, Farner said the district's staff has minimized the negative impact of those reductions on students.

"We have fewer staff in virtually every employee group, including reducing the central office by one-third, so those administrators and administrative assistants who have taken on the work of the eliminated positions have proven themselves to be a special group of people, as are the building administrators, teachers and support staff who have also had to do more with less every year," he said. "Anyone who comes in contact with a School District of Greenfield team member recognizes the talents and passion that we expect of all of our employees.

"It is these incredible people that I would miss the most if I ever leave."