SALEM, Wis. — The Salem School District announced Tuesday that it has selected Ryan McBurney as its next superintendent and Don Norwick as its next 4K-8 principal, with both appointments taking effect July 1, 2026.
McBurney, who currently serves as director of special education for the Elkhorn Area School District, will replace outgoing Superintendent Dr. Vicki King. Salem School Board President Dr. Ted Goergen said McBurney stood out during the interview process because of his focus on student learning, relationships, and improvement.
“Throughout the interview process, Ryan demonstrated a clear commitment to student learning, strong relationships, and continuous improvement,” Goergen said. “What set him apart was his ability to connect his experience to our community’s priorities.”
McBurney brings more than 18 years of experience in education, serving students in grades 4K through 12. He previously served for six years as principal of Elkhorn Area Middle School, where he helped reduce office discipline referrals by more than 60 percent and increased the number of students reporting they had a trusted adult in the building to 95 percent. During his time there, the school also earned recognition as an AVID National Demonstration School and a Project Lead the Way Gateway Distinguished School.
Earlier in his career, McBurney worked as an associate principal at Elkhorn Area High School and taught English at both the middle and high school levels. Salem officials said he has consistently emphasized collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and support systems for students.
In a letter to the Salem School Board, McBurney said every student should feel safe, supported, and optimistic about the future.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, to feel like they belong, and to be hopeful about their future,” McBurney wrote. “Our goals as a school and community are too complex to reach individually, but when we approach them in a unified way, anything is achievable.”
McBurney also said he was excited to join Salem and praised the district’s mission of helping students reach their full potential.
The district also announced that Don Norwick will become Salem’s next 4K-8 principal beginning July 1, 2026.
Norwick currently serves as an associate principal and has four years of administrative experience. Salem officials said he was selected after a lengthy interview process that included feedback from staff and stakeholders. District leaders said Norwick distinguished himself with his positive energy, leadership skills, and commitment to students and families.
“Don has demonstrated that he is ready to take the next step in his leadership journey,” King said. “He brings a positive, student-centered approach and understands the importance of building strong relationships and a supportive school culture.”
Norwick said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve Salem students and families.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Salem School,” Norwick said. “Schools are at their best when they feel like family, and I am excited to join a community that is so clearly committed to helping every student learn, grow, and thrive.”
As principal, Norwick will focus on teaching and learning, school culture, and building strong relationships with families and the community, according to the district.
