Oshkosh's Julie Conrad-Peters Heads to Florida as New Superintendent

Lake Wales, Florida, USA - In a significant transition within the educational landscape, Julie Conrad-Peters, after 33 years of dedicated service, is leaving her position as Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Oshkosh Area School District to take on the role of superintendent at the Lake Wales Charter School System in Central Florida. The decision was finalized after the Lake Wales Charter School’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to offer her the position on June 5. This news, shared by The Northwestern, has invoked a mix of emotions in Conrad-Peters, who expressed both excitement and sadness about her departure from Oshkosh.

Throughout her illustrious career in Oshkosh, Conrad-Peters has held numerous important positions, including principal of Webster Stanley Middle School and assistant principal at Oshkosh West High School. Most recently, she has been instrumental in various capacities, overseeing curriculum development and professional training, highlighting her commitment to fostering educational excellence in the district. Notably, she played a pivotal role in passing a remarkable $197.8 million facilities referendum during the April 1 spring election, aimed at consolidating facilities and paving the way for a new middle school, expected to open in 2028.

Looking Ahead

As she heads into this new chapter, Conrad-Peters looks forward to being closer to her family in Florida, a move that comes after a notable tenure characterized by numerous accomplishments. She will replace former superintendent Wayne Rodolfich, who faced termination due to serious complaints regarding a hostile work environment and racial discrimination. Conrad-Peters stood out among 20 candidates, with her contract set to be voted on June 16 and a planned start date of July 1.

In Oshkosh, the district is progressing on its Phase 2 referendum projects, which are crucial as they aim to modernize and enhance several elementary schools. Recent user meetings at schools like Carl Traeger, Franklin, and Oakwood exemplify the district’s commitment to involving local staff in decision-making processes regarding design and logistics, ensuring that their needs are met. Feedback from various stakeholders, including educators from the merging Shapiro STEM Academy and Roosevelt Elementary, is being integrated into the planning for Franklin, illustrating a collaborative approach to school development. According to the Oshkosh Area School District’s updates, these projects remain on schedule, with a focus on completing designs and moving to the construction bidding phase by September, as noted on Oshkosh K12.

Challenges and Insights

Transitioning to a new leadership position brings challenges, particularly in the education sector, where the first 100 days are crucial for setting the tone for future success. A recent report from Hanover Research highlights that over 40% of district leaders left their roles between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the high levels of stress and turnover in this field. Therefore, it is vital for new superintendents, like Conrad-Peters, to prioritize clear communication, consensus-building, and transparency to win the trust of the community and staff. The insights provided in the Hanover’s New Superintendent Transition Toolkit stress the importance of these elements in fostering positive relationships and making informed decisions as they navigate the complexities of managing diverse interests within the district.

Conrad-Peters’ expertise will undoubtedly support her as she embarks on this new role, and her successful track record in Oshkosh sets a promising precedent for her future endeavors in Florida. While the community here in Oshkosh will surely miss her leadership and vision, the new opportunity ahead provides a chance for growth and further development in both her career and the educational communities she will serve.