TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Kenosha County Eye recently reached out to Ryan Berndt, the new District Administrator and Principal of Twin Lakes School District #4, commonly known as Lakewood School, with a series of questions intended to introduce the district’s new leader to parents, taxpayers and the community.
About Mr. Berndt
According to his biography published by Lakewood School, Berndt says his primary focus is building a “vibrant and supportive school community” where students and staff are inspired to reach their full potential. He says he wants to increase student engagement through interactive learning experiences, expand school-day and extracurricular programming and challenge students academically.
Berndt’s biography also portrays him as an administrator who enjoys interacting directly with students. He says he can be found playing four-square or basketball with students at recess and maintaining what he describes as an “undefeated streak” in student foot races. Outside school, Berndt says he is an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan.
Berndt holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a Master of Arts in the Art of Teaching from Aurora University and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.
KCE wanted to learn more.
Kenosha County Eye: Can you tell me a little about your background, education and professional path that led you to Twin Lakes/Lakewood?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: What interested you in taking on the combined role of District Administrator and Principal at Twin Lakes #4?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: Twin Lakes and Randall previously shared a district administrator. Why did Twin Lakes decide to return to having its own administrator, and what benefits do you expect that change to bring?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: What are your top priorities as you begin leading the district?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: What do you see as Lakewood’s greatest strengths, and where do you believe there are opportunities for improvement?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: How do you plan to balance the day-to-day responsibilities of being the building principal with the broader responsibilities of District Administrator?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: What would you like parents, taxpayers, staff, students and the broader Twin Lakes community to know about you and what they can expect from your leadership?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Kenosha County Eye: Is there anything about you personally — interests, family, community involvement or other details — that you would like readers to know?
Ryan Berndt: “I’ll pass.”
Editor’s Note: KCE is disappointed that Berndt declined the opportunity. These were intentionally softball questions designed to give a new public official an opportunity to introduce himself, explain his priorities and communicate directly with the parents and taxpayers he now serves.
To our recollection, Berndt is the first government official to simply refuse this type of introductory Q&A with KCE. That is unfortunate, particularly for the residents and taxpayers within the district’s boundaries who might reasonably want to know more about their new District Administrator and what he intends to do in the position.
KCE hopes Berndt will reconsider this approach to transparency in the future. Our questions remain open, and if Berndt decides to answer them, we will publish his responses.
