Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools announces new principal of Lincoln High School

Rod Watson of Wisconsin Rapids was chosen to take over the role previously held by Ron Rasmussen, who was appointed as the district’s superintendent.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Rod Watson of Wisconsin Rapids will serve as the new principal of Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools announced Tuesday morning.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Watson said in a message on the district’s Facebook page. “To be able to serve in an excellent high school in the same town in which I live is a dream come true.”

Watson is taking over the position formerly held by Ron Rasmussen. Rasmussen was appointed to the district’s superintendent role in May and took over duties on July 1.

Watson brings 20 years of teaching and administrative experience to the role. Most recently, he served three years as principal of Pittsville High School. He also served seven years as associate principal at Shawano Community Middle School and 10 years as a social studies teacher at an alternative high school in the Chicago suburbs, according to a message from Watson shared on the district’s Facebook page.

“If I could design a school to fit what I believe is ideal for an American teenager, it would look a lot like LHS. We have the facilities, programming, staff, opportunities, and community support to help our students to make the most of their potential,” Watson said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to keep this school in the excellent shape it is in, to build on the steps that have already been taken to help the staff to meet the needs of our diverse learners, and to serve this community the best way I know how.”

Watson holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, a master’s degree in teaching and leadership and national board certification. He also serves in the Wisconsin National Guard as an intelligence officer with the 1-105th Cavalry Regiment in Madison.

The district’s new leaders will be working to prepare for students’ return to school on Sept. 3.

Watson encourages people to reach out to him to discuss “hopes or concerns” regarding the high school. Meetings with Watson can be scheduled by calling the Lincoln High School office at 715-424-6750 or he can be reached via email at rodrick.watson@wrps.net.

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Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com.