Search Is On for New Nicolet School Chief

With the School Board accepting head of Nicolet High School Rick Monroe's retirement request Monday night, the search is officially on for a new superintendent. 

The board unanimously approved Monroe's retirement request as well as hiring consulting firm Hazard, Young & Attea to conduct a search for candidates to serve as Nicolet’s next superintendent. 

"We have certainly enjoyed and valued Dr. Monroe's being here these past six years," School Board President Marilyn Franklin said, adding her yes vote comes with regret. "We will miss him."

Board Vice President Morton Grodsky said he voted in favor of approving the retirement request with "great angst."

The board didn't have the cost of the contract with the consulting firm immediately available and said they will meet with the firm in the coming weeks to discuss the process. Hazard, Young & Attea was chosen from a pool of four candidates, Franklin said. 

Monroe — who has been an educator since 1976 including in Milwaukee Public Schools, St. Francis and Shorewood — announced he would retire from his role on Dec. 17 after six years at the helm. He told Patch his retirement was based on a “accumulation” of factors, mainly to get more time to spend with his adult children, purse volunteer work, play piano and become more involved in church activities. His retirement is effective June 30.