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1Dear Watertown Public Schools Faculty, Staff and Students,

It is with great happiness that I announce the newly appointed Interim Principal of Polk for the 2024-2025 academic school year as Mr. Thomas Hogrefe (Tom). At a regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, members of the Board of Education unanimously passed a motion approving Mr. Hogrefe’s one year appointment to lead Polk Elementary School.

Mr. Hogrefe’s previous experience as Interim Principal at Judson and his current role as WHS Assistant Principal elevated him to the top choice candidate out of a strong pool of internal applicants. He brings with him a strong foundation to take on this next leadership role with the Watertown Public Schools and has demonstrated great commitment to the Watertown Public Schools district and a track record of success in leading a building.

As Mr. Hogrefe prepares to take on his newly appointed role, Mr. Hogrefe will share his introductory communication with the Polk community directly - so please be on the lookout for his email!

As it is a continued priority to create a seamless transition for the Polk community into the next academic year, meet and greets will be set up for faculty/staff, families and students to meet Mr. Hogrefe. As soon as those dates and times are determined, another communication will be sent out to the community directly.

In addition, as WHS works to fill Mr. Hogrefe's recently vacated position of Assistant Principal of WHS, a new Interim Assistant Principal will be appointed according to district procedures.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Thomas Hogrefe to the Polk family in his new role as Interim Principal.

Sincerely,

Dr. V