Eide leaves B-T for La Crosse school

The Blair-Taylor School District is looking to hire a new administrator after longtime middle/high school principal Dana Eide resigned from the district to take a position as the principal as Spence Elementary School in the La Crosse School District.

Eide declined to comment on her decision to leave Blair-Taylor for La Crosse saying she was not comfortable talking about it because there was “too much room for false interpretation.” 

While she was officially announced as an employee of the La Crosse School District last week, Eide’s resignation was not accepted by the Blair-Taylor school board until Monday of this week.

“I would like to thank Dana Eide for her many years of service and dedication to the students, staff and community of Blair-Taylor,” B-T Superintendent Lynn Halverson said. “She possesses a wealth of knowledge to serve the families of the La Crosse School District as principal at Spence Elementary. I wish her the absolute best as she navigates this opportunity.”

Eide’s career has spanned 33 years, including 27 for B-T — the last 16 in an administrative capacity. She has served as both the B-T Director of Curriculum and Instruction and middle/high school principal for the last 16 years and previously worked as a speech and language pathologist and the school’s gifted and talented coordinator. 

“Dana’s proven track record as a collaborator is evident through her ability to bring together teachers, families, and staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment,” La Crosse Superintendent Aaron Engel said in a press release posted on the school website last week. “Dana’s compassionate approach to education is truly remarkable. She understands the unique needs of each student, and her passion for creating a supportive and nurturing environment will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our students at Spence Elementary School.”

Engel previously served as the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District Superintendent. 

The press release said Eide earned a Master’s Degree in Communications Disorders from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1990 and is currently working towards completing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development from Grand Canyon University.

“Student success starts with the belief that all students can learn at high levels. I work hard to find the gifts in each person and help them use those gifts to better the whole,” Eide said in the release. “I have always placed building a strong and supportive culture for students, families, and staff at the top of the priorities list. But while an inclusive culture is important, it doesn’t mean much if strong relationships haven’t been built first. When students and families trust that you have their best interests in mind, we all move forward together providing opportunities for every learner to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

In her letter of resignation Eide wrote “While I am looking forward to this new adventure, I know that I will miss being a part of Wildcat Country very much.”

Her husband, Jeff, was the B-T superintendent before leaving the district to become the executive director of the Wisconsin Rural School Alliance following the 2021-22 school year. 

To replace Dana Eide, B-T advertised for an elementary principal, middle/high principal or assistant principal. The school board was slated to discuss candidates for the vacancy in closed session on Monday night.