New Prairie du Chien High School principal begins July 1
Paul Weisse
By Ted Pennekamp
Paul Weisse has been hired by the Prairie du Chien School District to be the new high school principal. Weisse will officially begin his duties on July 1, taking over for Andy Banasik who will be the new district administrator.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as principal of Prairie du Chien High School,” said Weisse. “I was initially interested in Prairie du Chien as my wife and I wanted to move to a smaller community and we have always loved the western part of the state, with the rolling hills, bluffs, and the river. We both attended smaller high schools, I attended Oshkosh Lourdes, and my wife Omro schools and love the sense of community a smaller school brings.”
Weisse earned his B.S. in mathematics education from UW-Oshkosh and taught math for 11 years in Menasha, Fond du Lac, and Kimberly. He also was a head coach for track and assistant coach for football and basketball. Weisse moved to the Appleton School District where he was the math curriculum leader for the four middle schools and three high schools in Appleton. During that time, he earned his Master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian University in 2004.
Weisse moved into administration as associate principal at Wilson Middle School in Appleton for three years. He spent the last 10 years as the associate principal at Appleton East High School. He was also the principal of Tesla Engineering Charter School for nine years. Tesla Engineering Charter School is housed inside East High School.
Weisse’s wife Lori is a registered nurse educator. They have four children. The youngest, Lindsay, is a junior attending UW-Madison and their oldest, Sydney, is a 4K teacher in West De Pere. Melanie and Andrew work at competing stores in Appleton, Menards and Home Depot.
During his free time, Weisse likes to walk, hike, camp, and get together with friends and family.
“When we came to Prairie du Chien to interview, we fell in love with the community,” said Weisse. “Andy Banasik has done great things ahead of me, and I am glad I will have him to learn from as I move into the principal role. I am excited to be part of an innovated district with great teachers and students. I look forward to making positive connections with staff, students, and families. I want to continue the great traditions of Prairie du Chien while looking for opportunities to help every student reach their full potential. I’m very proud to be a Blackhawk!”
