AWSA 2026 Election

The election will open April 15 and close April 30 !

Please select a candidate from your region only. AWSA regions are the same as CESA regions.
If your region is not listed, then the position is not due for election this year.
Any ballots that select a candidate from more than one region will be discarded.

Slate of Candidates

Region 2 Co-Director

Nikki Harcus
Principal
Westside Elementary, Sun Prairie
Region 2

Teaching Experience: I hold a Birth–Age 8 teaching license in both Special and Regular Education. I taught as a Special Education teacher for three years, primarily working with students in grades 2 and 3. I then spent three years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade, including one year in a multi-age 2/3 classroom. In addition, I served as an Elementary Instructional Coach at both the building and district levels.

Administrative Experience: I served as the Associate Principal at Westside Elementary for two years, co-leading the school while carrying primary responsibility for overseeing the Special Education program and leading professional development and coaching focused on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching. For the past ten years, I have served as the Principal at Westside Elementary.

Highest Degree Attained: I hold a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin, Madison

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA Member NAESP Member

AWSA Involvement: My involvement with AWSA has included serving as a member of the Elementary Advisory Committee, participating in SAIL, and contributing as both SAIL Coaching Faculty and AWSA Coaching Faculty. In 2023, I was honored to be named AWSA Elementary Principal of the Year.

Statement: I am interested in serving on the AWSA Board of Directors because AWSA has played a significant role in my growth as an educational leader. Through my involvement as a SAIL participant, SAIL and Coaching Faculty member, and Elementary Advisory Committee member, I have benefited from high quality professional learning, meaningful collaboration, and opportunities to engage deeply in equity centered leadership work. AWSA has strengthened my capacity to lead with greater clarity, coherence, and focus on students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, while also supporting my growth as a reflective and resilient administrator. Serving on the Board would be an opportunity to give back to an organization that has had a profound impact on my practice and to help ensure AWSA continues to support, connect, and develop school leaders across Wisconsin.

Region 3 Director

Carla Peterson
Principal - River Valley Elementary
DAC and ELL Coordinator - River Valley Schools
Region 3

Teaching Experience: 24 years of teaching second and third grade

Administrative Experience: almost 8 years as principal for River Valley Schools

Highest Degree Attained: Master's Degree obtained in 2000

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA

AWSA Involvement: I've participated in Academies, Workshops and the Elementary Principals Conference yearly. I served for two years on the Elementary Commission Advisory Committee, before moving into the role of Region 3 Director in June of 2024. I also currently serve on the AWSA Board of Directors Executive Committee.

Statement: AWSA has been a key part of my own continued development as an administrator. Being a principal can be a lonely job in a rural district. I found peers and mentorship through AWSA. I would be honored to continue to serve on the Board of Directors in order to help give back to an organization that provides knowledge and guidance to so many educators.

Region 4 Director

Nick Bakke
Associate Principal
Holmen High School
Region 4

Teaching Experience: Following my graduation from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, I supported the LaCrosseroads Alternative Education Program in the School District of La Crosse. After this one year position, I accepted a teaching position within the Cashton School District and served for 8 years as their middle school social studies teacher. I have also served as an Adjunct Professor through Viterbo University within the Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching program.

Administrative Experience: Currently serving my 8th year as Associate Principal at Holmen High School.

Highest Degree Attained: Masters of Arts Degree through Viterbo University - Licensed Social Studies Broadfield - history/political science minors; Reading 316 license; Educational Leadership; *1/2 through superintendent program

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA, NASSP; Serve on educational advisory boards for Viterbo School of Education and Foundations (23'-present) of Teacher Education with Western Technical College (20'-present)

AWSA Involvement: AWSA Membership Ambassador (24'-present), Associate Principal Commission (23'-present), AWSA Advisory Committee (fall 25')

Statement: I would be honored to serve on the AWSA Board of Directors to continue supporting and advocating for this great organization and its impact on our leaders and students across Wisconsin.

Region 6 Director

Jack Knaack
Principal
Richmond Elementary, Appleton
Region 6

Teaching Experience: High School Social Studies Teacher - New London High School 1998-2004

Administrative Experience: Principal - Richmond Elementary - Appleton 2011- Present; Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction - Appleton North High School - 2007-2011; Kaukauna High School - 2004-2007

Highest Degree Attained: Masters in Educational Leadership - Marian University

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA; NAESP

AWSA Involvement: Member of the Elementary Commission Advisory Committee

Statement: I am interested in serving on the AWSA Board of Directors because there is no more important time for a strong, unified voice for public education in Wisconsin than right now. School leaders are navigating increasing political, social, and economic pressures, all while staying focused on what matters most—students, staff, and families. In moments like these, AWSA plays a critical role in advocating for school administrators and the work happening in our schools every day. AWSA has long been an organization that supports, develops, and speaks up for educational leaders across the state. I value AWSA’s commitment to leadership development, meaningful professional learning, and strong connections among administrators. Just as important, AWSA consistently ensures that the voices of school leaders are heard in state-level conversations, grounded in the real challenges and responsibilities of leading schools. As a practicing school leader, my work is centered on instructional leadership, building staff ownership, strengthening early literacy, and partnering with families to support student success. I believe effective leadership is relational, grounded in trust, and focused on sustainable improvement. These values align closely with AWSA’s strategic priorities of supporting the profession, strengthening leadership capacity, and advocating for conditions that allow schools to do their best work. Serving on the AWSA Board of Directors would be an honor. As a board member, I would listen carefully to colleagues across Wisconsin, represent diverse perspectives, and help ensure AWSA remains a strong, credible voice for school leaders. I am committed to supporting AWSA’s mission and to contributing my time, perspective, and experience to the organization. Education is the most important work in the world. I would be proud to serve on the AWSA Board of Directors and help ensure that AWSA continues to advocate for and support the leaders who do this work every day.

Region 7 Director

Phil Hart
Principal
Lineville Intermediate School, Howard-Suamico School District
Region 7

Teaching Experience: Elementary Music Teacher, 8 Years - Superior, WI - 2 Years; Hudson, WI - 6 Years

Administrative Experience: Associate Principal, Forest Glen Elementary - 2 Years; Associate Principal, Lineville Intermediate - 2 years; Principal, Lineville Intermediate - 15 years

Highest Degree Attained: Master of Science in Education

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA; NAESP

AWSA Involvement: Elementary Commission - 5 years; BEL Academy, Mastering Academy, Deepening Impact Academy, Aspiring Administrator and Superintendent Workshops

NAESP State Representative: 1 year

Statement: AWSA has continued to have a tremendous impact on my growth as a school leader. Through my involvement with AWSA I have been able to grow and develop my leadership skills, improve learning outcomes at my school through cycles of inquiry, embed a strong culture of student leadership and learning, and foster deep and meaningful connections with other administrators around the state of Wisconsin. I would be honored to continue to serve on the AWSA Board of Directors, in order to contribute to the great work of this organization and to expand the reach of the opportunities AWSA provides to as many Wisconsin administrators as possible.

Region 10 Director

Khoua Vang
Principal
Locust Lane Elementary, Eau Claire Area School District
Region 10

Teaching Experience: Before transitioning into my administrative role, I dedicated 13 years to teaching in the primary grades. I began my career as a first-grade teacher and later moved to second grade, where I had the privilege of teaching for 11 years.

Administrative Experience: 6 years at Locust Lane Elementary School (1 year as Teacher on Special Assignment and 5 years as building principal)

Highest Degree Attained: Masters in Educational Leadership, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: AWSA member, AWSA board member served as a WAES Board member between 2020-2023

AWSA Involvement: Member; Board of Directors

Statement: I am deeply committed to leadership development and staying informed on key educational issues. Serving my first term on the AWSA board has been an incredibly rewarding experience, providing opportunities to learn about the organization and engage in strategic planning to best support principals and educational leaders across Wisconsin to positively impact student success.

Region 11 Director

Jessica D’Ambrosio
Principal and Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Amery Intermediate School, School District of Amery
Region 11

Teaching Experience: 4K, First, and Second Grade Teacher for 7 years

Administrative Experience: Intermediate School Principal- 5th Year, Director of Curriculum and Instruction- 3rd Year

Highest Degree Attained: Master’s degree in elementary education and Master’s degree in educational administration

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction- Title I Committee of Practitioners, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction- State Superintendent’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council, Association of Wisconsin School Administrators- Wisconsin State Commissioner, CESA 11- Principals Advisory Committee Representative, National Association for Elementary School Principals Member

AWSA Involvement: AWSA Elementary Principals Convention Presenter: Presented at the AWSA Elementary Principals Convention, sharing effective leadership practices and instructional strategies. AWSA Commissioner: Currently serving a third year as an AWSA Commissioner, contributing to statewide leadership and advocacy efforts. AWSA Professional Learning: Participated in and completed multiple professional learning workshops offered through AWSA to strengthen leadership practice.

Statement: I am interested in serving on the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) Board of Directors to further support and advocate for educational leaders across Wisconsin. I currently serve as the Intermediate School Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the School District of Amery, with five years of experience as a principal and three years in a district-level leadership role. My career began with nine years as a first- and second-grade teacher, which continues to ground my leadership in strong instructional practice and a commitment to student-centered decision-making. I hold a master’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration and am currently pursuing an Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership. I am actively involved in state and professional leadership, including service on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Title I Committee of Practitioners and the State Superintendent’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council. I am in my third year as an AWSA Commissioner, have presented at the AWSA Elementary Principals Convention, and have participated in numerous AWSA professional learning opportunities. I also represent principals on the CESA 11 Principals Advisory Committee and am a member of the National Association for Elementary School Principals. Serving on the AWSA Board would allow me to contribute my experience, perspective, and passion for supporting school leaders and strengthening public education throughout Wisconsin.

Region 12 Director

Kacey Hanson
Principal
Chequamegon Middle School & Glidden Elementary School, Chequamegon
Region 12 Director

Teaching Experience: I began my teaching career as a 1st- and 2nd-grade intern at Madison Elementary School in Marshfield, Wisconsin, during the 2004–2005 school year. After graduating in December 2004, I spent a semester substitute teaching before joining Glidden Elementary School as a third-grade teacher, a role I held from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, I transitioned to the middle school level in the Chequamegon School District, teaching computer science, English, and a variety of other subjects. This position change resulted from the consolidation of the Park Falls and Glidden School Districts, and I continued in this role until 2016. During my time as a middle school teacher, I was honored to be named a 2015 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellow, in recognition of my dedication to student learning and professional growth. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working across multiple grade levels and content areas, developing a deep understanding of student learning and instructional leadership, and I have a great admiration for the middle school learner. I have also spent a great deal of time as a mentor and educator effectiveness PDP reviewer.

Administrative Experience: Since 2016, I have served as the principal of the Chequamegon North Campus, which includes both Glidden Elementary School (4K–3) and Chequamegon Middle School (6–8). In this role, I supervise, evaluate, and coach approximately 40 staff members while supporting and engaging roughly 200 students daily, academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. I regularly report to the school board and other stakeholders and collaborate with staff, parents, and students to ensure the needs of our students are met.

Highest Degree Attained: I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in December 2004, with a minor in Learning Technologies. Building on my commitment to educational leadership, I pursued a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, completing the program in May 2012. Most recently, I completed my Educational Specialist degree and earned my superintendent licensure in May 2023 at UW-Superior, further preparing me to lead schools and districts effectively and to support both educators and students in achieving their highest potential.

Professional Association Memberships/Affiliations: CESA 12 Principal Networks and Leadership Groups Association of Wisconsin School Administrators Wisconsin School Counselors Association affiliation - Recipient of the WSCA Administrator/Supervisor Award in 2024, recognizing my commitment to fostering a positive and supportive school environment that empowers both students and staff. Wisconsin Title I Association - District Title I Coordinator School Leaders Advancing Technology in Education Presenter DPI Federal Funding Conference - District Title I Coordinator Nita M. Lowey, 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant - Employee, Coordinator, Administrator, for most of the 25 years in existence in our building. Wisconsin Infinite Campus User Group Conference Presenter

AWSA Involvement: I am an active member of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), which provides a network of professional support, leadership development, and advocacy for school leaders in Wisconsin. Upon my transition to administration, I participated in AWSA’s New Building Administrators Academy and the Building Effective Leadership (BEL) Academy. I utilized the mentor program to develop my potential in educational leadership further. Since 2022, I have also served on AWSA’s Middle School/High School Commission Advisory Committee, collaborating with colleagues statewide to provide guidance and recommendations on policies, programs, and best practices that directly impact secondary education. The support I have received through AWSA has developed my skills, making the learning beyond what could be absorbed in graduate school. The Research for Better Teaching Course: Analyzing Teaching for Student Results, offered by AWSA and taken during 2018, was by far the most valuable takeaway in my professional development journey. I have networked annually at the MS/HS principal conference, creating a strong network of support with colleagues who truly understand what it is like to walk a day in my shoes. These experiences and connections through AWSA have shaped me into a robust educational leader who has grown into a confident and capable leader in Wisconsin schools.

Statement: I am eager to serve on the AWSA Board of Directors because I believe in its vital role in empowering Wisconsin school leaders through support, development, and advocacy, and I want to contribute to this mission. My professional experience provides a practical understanding of the challenges Wisconsin schools face, from balancing instructional leadership with operational responsibilities to supporting the well-being of students and staff while navigating state and federal expectations. I am especially passionate about strengthening instructional systems, fostering meaningful family and community engagement, and ensuring that school leaders have access to high-quality professional learning and peer support networks. I am an advocate for rural schools and do everything I can to learn and grow in an amazing and unique school setting, an example that small schools can produce excellent results! Serving on the AWSA Board of Directors would allow me to bring a practitioner’s perspective to critical discussions, help shape impactful professional learning opportunities, and advance policies that strengthen leadership across the state. Through my work with AWSA, participation in the New Building Administrators Academy and the BEL Academy, service on the Middle/High School Commission Advisory Committee, and networking and presenting at principal and technology conferences, I have developed a robust understanding of leadership development and the power of professional collaboration. My experience leading school initiatives, managing teams, and advocating for rural schools demonstrates my capacity to influence policy and lead large-scale efforts. I am committed to representing school leaders with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a focus on the best outcomes for students, staff, and school communities. It would be an honor to contribute to AWSA’s mission of cultivating strong, effective leadership in Wisconsin schools.