School District hires a new athletic director

The Cedar Grove-Belgium School District has hired a new athletic director and middle school dean of students from Kiel and a new director of special education from within.

Megan Kautzer, who was a Kiel Middle School counselor the past six years, has joined the district as athletic director.

“From the moment I accepted the position, I’ve felt welcomed by the Cedar Grove-Belgium community. One of the things that drew me to this opportunity was the passion and pride the community has for its academics, student-athletes and athletic programs,” Kautzer said.

She got a firsthand look at Rockets’ athletics and its community support when she attended the state baseball tournament in June in Grand Chute. She didn’t join the district until July 1 but already had accepted the position. The Rockets won the Division 3 title.

“A WIAA state baseball championship is certainly a memorable way to be introduced to the athletic program,” Kautzer said. “It was exciting to witness the enthusiasm surrounding Rocket athletics, and I’m looking forward to helping build on that momentum while continuing to support excellence in both academics and athletics.”

Kautzer has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a master’s degree in education counseling from Lakeland University and a master’s degree in educational and leadership policy analysis from UW-Madison. She has a lifetime pupil services certification and a principal license through July 2028. She lives in Sheboygan Falls.

Kautzer was a school site and child care director for four years at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School before she went to Kiel.

She replaces David Friend, who will solely focus on being director of Rocket Academy, the district’s charter school that teaches skilled trades to juniors and seniors from across the area.

Middle school principal Kelly Dzurick will be adding special education services to her role.

“Principal Dzurick has a commitment to serving students who may need a little extra support, and she is looking forward to having a combined role,” Supt. Elizabeth Freeman said.

She replaces Todd Lamb, who has been hired as director of special education and school psychologist by the Palmyra-Eagle School District.

Business Manager Tera Rogers said the additional role will increase the budget by $10,000 with Dzurick’s salary being split between two different funds. The expense had been planned for during spring, Rogers said.