Nicolet's Kestner to leave at end of school year

Glendale - An administrator lauded for his effectiveness with students has announced his intention to leave Nicolet High School at the end of the current school year.

Assistant Principal Jason Kestner recently submitted a letter of resignation with the district, to take effect June 30. The School Board's Finance and Facilities Committee took the issue up Monday and voted to forward it on for full board action next week.

In his letter, Kestner cited family reasons for his departure. He and his wife plan to move to the western part of the state next year and pursue employment in the region.

Kestner is in the midst of his third year with Nicolet, having joined the district at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year.

"Nicolet has provided me with some wonderful experiences that I will truly cherish as I move on with my career," Kestner wrote in his letter. "I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me by Nicolet and the surrounding community."

A number of teachers spoke at Monday's Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, sharing how Kestner has positively impacted the school.

"He has been phenomenal; he steps up right away," science teacher Gary Stresman said. "He is going to be sorely missed from this school."

Social studies teacher Nasif Rogers, who joined the district this fall, said Kestner was a valuable resource as he got to know students. Rogers said Kestner identified students who might need additional attention and shared with Rogers past strategies that were effective with each student.

District Administrator Rick Monroe said Kestner is destined to move up the ranks, based on his performance at Nicolet.

"He is definitely principal material," Monroe said.

Prior to joining Nicolet, Kestner served as both assistant principal and athletic director for Pioneer Westfield High School in Westfield, Wis. He also served as assistant principal for Sparta High School and New Richmond High School. Kestner's career began as an English teacher at Aquinas Middle School in 1993 in La Crosse.