Brakke’s contract OK’d

The Cedar Grove-Belgium School Board unanimously approved the contract for incoming Supt. Chad Brakke last month.

Brakke, the principal at Saukville Elementary School and assessment coordinator for the Port Washington-Saukville school District, will start July 1.

The board used a search firm to find a superintendent after Jeanee Courneene retired due to family reasons late last summer. Retired Chilton superintendent Claire Martin is filling the role this year.

Brakke has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a master’s in school counseling from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and a master’s in leadership and administration from UW-Superior. He completed the superintendent licensing program at Concordia University Wisconsin.

Brakke wrestled in college and coached Division III wrestling for three years as well as high school baseball, football and wrestling.

Brakke’s salary will be $135,000. The board set a salary range of $135,000 to $150,000, which was negotiable based on experience.

Brakke lives in Port Washington and said he plans to move into the district in summer after his youngest son graduates from Port High. He will receive $2,000 in moving expenses.