Oakfield Selects New District Administrator

The Oakfield School Board has selected a longtime West Bend teacher, principal and administrator to lead the Oakfield School District. 

Tracey Conners, currently serving as Woodfield Elementary School Principal in the Waterford Graded School District, was offered to begin the position of Oakfield District Administrator effective July 1.

“The Board enthusiastically chooses Tracey Conners as our new District Administrator,” Board President Paul Dercks said Monday. “She is experienced in building relationships, student-centered learning and helping all students succeed. We look forward to her leadership and we are grateful for the strong field of candidates who applied.”

Conners said she was excited to take on “not just the challenge but the new adventure” of being a District Administrator. “ I’m both honored and humbled by the offer, and I’m very much looking forward to leading the staff and members of the Oakfield community,” she said.

Conners has 29 years of experience, including 25 years in the West Bend School District where she served in a variety of roles including Principal of West Bend East and West High Schools; Director of Elementary Education; Principal of Fair Park Elementary School, Assistant Principal of West Bend East High School and Curriculum Coordinator. She left West Bend in 2017 to become Principal of Woodfield Elementary in the Waterford Graded School District.

She has two Masters degrees in Education and Educational Leadership, from Aurora University and Marian University respectively, and certifications as a Principal and Curriculum Director. She completed the licensure program for Superintendent through Concordia University in 2017.

Conners said in her application materials that she has an “uncompromising view that all students can learn, given a positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration and enhances student confidence.”

She also believes strongly in transparent communication and honest collaboration. “Integrity is honesty and grit … and the importance of telling the truth, developing a plan and running it out,” she said.

Conners will succeed Dr. Vance Dalzin, who is retiring in June after leading the district for five years and 34 years in education. “I have found my years in this outstanding school district to be very rewarding, both professionally and personally. It has been an honor,” Dalzin said in the district newspaper. 

Oakfield schools hired CESA 6 to lead the School Board through the search process. The CESA 6 team screened applicants in January, interviewed first-tier applicants and presented five finalists to the Board for consideration in February. The Board interviewed three finalists at its March 1 meeting and approved a contract on March 8 to hire Conners.