Plum City is welcoming a new district administrator and MS/HS principal, Chris Kamrath, to lead the school district for years to come.

Kamrath, 41, grew up in Chetek, Wis., where he ultimately graduated high school in 2001. Kamrath then received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before a master’s degree in reading instruction from the same school. In 2013, Kamrath earned a doctorate degree from Bethel University in educational administration.

During his career, Kamrath taught at St. Bridget’s in River Falls for a year, spent six years at Chippewa Falls at the elementary level, held a principal job in Wausau for a year, went to Somerset to be an elementary principal for four years and finally spent six years in River Falls as the Westside Elementary principal.

It was not dislike of the job in River Falls that brought Kamrath to Plum City, but instead, an appreciation for what Plum City has built.

“It was very intentional [that] I came to Plum City,” Kamrath said. “This is the only job that I’ve applied for in the last six years… I just was really impressed by what exists here in Plum City.”

Kamrath said the background of working in education has brought to him an appreciation for relationships with students, staff and community members.

“Certainly can expect me to be someone who enjoys and appreciates relationships,” Kamrath said. “My expectation for myself is to get to know all their names.”

The connection is something Kamrath wants to build with the community as well. Kamrath said the community can expect someone who is approachable when they have ideas or opinions and is a communicator through mediums including newsletters.

The variety of experiences in education have taught Kamrath about the highs and lows that come with the work, and how to manage them.

“It helps kind of ground me,” Kamrath said. “Prioritize what is really valuable while also realizing that you want to make relationships with kids, and making sure you’re centering your approach on the right things. Growing character in students, that’s something that I’ve really gotten on.”

Kamrath said Westside Elementary in River Falls won honorable mention for a school character award last year and he wants to keep pushing for those values in Plum City.

“Goal of the district here is to continue on the positive path that we’re on,” Kamrath said. “To keep giving our students a high-level education, to keep our school being a place where students feel comfortable and safe and that our staff enjoys coming to work and then to keep our school being a place where the community feels like they have input and that they feel valued.”

To remain on the positive path, Kamrath said they are looking to pass a referendum that is currently scheduled for a November vote. Kamrath mentioned more information will go out as the date gets closer.

Future goals are still in the works, as Kamrath is looking to start his time as district administrator by getting to know the community, students and staff. Through this, Kamrath said he will hear what the district should continue to do, stop doing and change how they are doing.

Kamrath wants to be visible and approachable as he takes over the role to properly understand the district and the community.

Outside of the classroom, Kamrath spent four years as a volunteer firefighter in River Falls and coached cross country and track. Kamrath and his wife Sonja have three sons: Miles, 15, Luke, 13, and Charlie, 10.