Dear School District of Waupaca Community,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new District Administrator of the School District of Waupaca. I am both humbled and excited to serve a community so deeply committed to the growth and well-being of its students.

Throughout my 24 year career—as a teacher, principal, and most recently as our Director of Teaching and Learning—I have held tightly to one foundational belief: education equals freedom. A truly excellent education empowers individuals to explore their potential, make meaningful choices, and positively impact the world around them. It is our (families, schools, and communities) responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to that freedom.

As District Administrator, I accept the responsibility of leading nearly 400 dedicated staff members, each playing a vital role in shaping the experiences of our 2,000+ students. I firmly believe it takes all of us (families, schools, and communities) to raise and support our children. We are better together. When we work in true partnership, we create learning environments where students not only excel academically but also grow into empathetic, confident, and capable human beings.

I believe strong relationships—with students, staff, families, and the broader community—are the foundation of a thriving school system. I am deeply committed to transparency, collaboration, and always keeping students at the heart of every decision. In fact, every choice I’ve made throughout my career is guided by a simple question: Would this be good enough for my own children? As we move forward together, I look forward to listening, learning, and building meaningful connections across our district.

If you’d like to learn a little more about me, I encourage you to review the presentation I prepared while going through the District Administrator interview process. 

Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received. I look forward to serving, learning, and leading alongside you.

 

Sincerely,
Mark Flaten, Ed.D.
District Administrator
School District of Waupaca