DASD Superintendent Eric Runez is pleased to announce that Pheng Lee will become the new DeForest Area High School Principal beginning July 1, 2021. Mr. Lee will replace current high school principal Machell Schwarz when she retires on June 30, 2021. Lee’s appointment was approved at the April 12 DASD Board of Education meeting.
According to Runez, Pheng (pronounced “Peng”) Lee will be coming to our school district highly recommended from Verona Area High School, where he has served as an associate principal for the past seven years. Mr. Lee has high school science teaching experience in Appleton and Sun Prairie. “Although we all have appreciated the great leadership Machell Schwarz has provided, I am confident Mr. Lee will bring value to DAHS and continue the great trajectory of our high school,” said Runez.
“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as Principal at DeForest Area High School and look forward to working with all staff, students and families to ensure that all students are successful,” said Lee. “My wife, Kaoyee and I have three children, two attend schools in the DeForest Area School District. We have been in the community for about 6 years and absolutely love it here.”
Mr. Lee earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, a Master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from National Louis University. Currently, he is working on completing his doctoral work through Edgewood College.
Lee began his career in education as a bilingual education assistant and then as a middle and high school science teacher in Appleton and Sun Prairie. For the last 7 years, he has served as the Director of a small project-based charter high school and as an Associate Principal in the Verona Area School District.
Mr. Lee is excited about becoming the next DAHS principal, saying “I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to serving all students, staff, and families at DeForest Area High School and across the district.”
Hiring process
According to Runez, there were 22 applicants for the vacancy. Seven experienced administrators were selected to participate in first round interviews conducted by a group from district leadership. Two clear finalists emerged from the first round.
Those two individuals brought uniquely different, but exceptional experience. A second round involved the finalists meeting with three interview committees involving over 40 individuals representing a good cross-section from our high school community. Two of the committees included staff, administrators, parents, and community members. A third committee of a diverse group of high school students was facilitated by High School Assistant Principal Doug Crowley and Superintendent Runez. Although not definitive, the feedback about the finalists was positive from all three of the interview committees.
The administrative team then conducted formal reference checks, as well as informal calls to individuals outside of listed references. A final third round involved an informal 1-on-1 interview with Dr. Runez to discuss expectations.
“In the end, the position was offered to Pheng, who I believe will be able to support staff and the success of all students,” said Runez.
