(KUSD)
KENOSHA, Wis. — The principal of Whittier Elementary School in Kenosha has abruptly stepped down after serving just over 16 months in the position. Mark Dzioba, who became principal on July 1, 2025, resigned from his leadership position effective Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) officials say the decision was entirely personal and that Dzioba will remain employed by the district in another capacity.
Dzioba’s departure was announced in a letter to Whittier families and staff from Robert Antholine, KUSD’s Chief of School Leadership. The announcement came less than three months into the 2026-2027 school year, leaving the district scrambling to provide temporary leadership while officials search for an interim principal.
In his letter, Antholine wrote that Dzioba had decided to step down for personal reasons and thanked him for his service to the school. Antholine also confirmed that Dzioba would remain with the district and continue supporting students and staff, although the letter did not specify what his new responsibilities would be.
Dzioba also provided a brief farewell message to the Whittier community, expressing appreciation for the students, staff and families he worked with during his relatively short tenure.
“Thank you for welcoming me into the Whittier family and entrusting me with your children each day. I am confident Whittier will continue to shine thanks to our phenomenal students, staff and families. I wish you all the best,” Dzioba wrote.
Dzioba was introduced as Whittier’s incoming principal during a May 15, 2025, KUSD School Board meeting, with his appointment taking effect July 1, 2025. His departure approximately 16 months later means Whittier will undergo another leadership transition during an active school year.
To maintain continuity, KUSD has brought in retired Reuther Central High School Principal Maria Kotz to provide temporary leadership support. Kotz began serving in that capacity Thursday, November 5, while the district works to identify an interim principal.
Antholine described Kotz as an experienced KUSD administrator who will help provide stability for students and staff during the transition. Families were instructed to contact Kotz with questions or concerns until an interim principal is selected.
Kenosha County Eye contacted KUSD Chief Communications Officer Tanya Ruder on Friday, November 6, seeking additional information about Dzioba’s departure. Specifically, KCE asked whether his resignation from the principal position was voluntary or whether other factors contributed to the decision.
Ruder responded that the departure was strictly Dzioba’s decision and denied that any additional circumstances were involved.
“For Whittier, this was solely a personal decision, and no other factors were involved,” Ruder told KCE in an email Friday morning.
The district has not publicly identified Dzioba’s next assignment or announced when a permanent replacement will be selected. For now, Kotz will provide leadership support while KUSD searches for an interim principal, and Whittier families have been told they will receive another notification once that appointment is made.
One Response
It’s to make room for the pedo from Union Grove