An interview with Jordan Sinz, long-time Heights District Administrator

Jordan Sinz, who recently left his position as District Administrator of Wisconsin Heights School District, worked for the district in that position for six years. The Star News interviewed him before he left.   1. What and where was your previous job, before coming to Wisconsin Heights? - I was the middle/high school principal in Edgar, WI. 2. What will be your new job in a few weeks? - I will be the agency administrator for CESA 10 in Chippewa Falls, WI. 3. What does that job entail? - The agency administrator is the CESA equivalent of being a district administrator (superintendent) at a school district.  CESA 10 has 29 member districts.  As the agency administrator, I will work to ensure that CESA 10 provides top-quality services to its partner districts. 4. What did you enjoy most about being District Administrator at Wisconsin Heights? - This is a very difficult question because I enjoyed many things about the last six years at Wisconsin Heights.  A few things quickly come to mind.  I appreciated the amazing support we had from the community, and consequently, the district accomplished many great things. I also loved living in a small town 20 miles from downtown Madison.  To me and my family, it was the best of both worlds. 5. Aside from Covid, what was one of the other tough challenges you faced in your time here? - Having a facilities referendum during the pandemic also presented a significant challenge.  The notion of building a new elementary school in the district would have been challenging at any time.  Doing it with so much uncertainty in the world around us is something to be proud of! 6. Looking at Wisconsin Heights objectively--as an administrator--what are its greatest strengths? - The community support. - High-quality staff - Our academic achievement and student learning growth are amazing - We offer activities, programs, classes, etc., that most schools are size do not - kids have a lot of choices 7. What made you decide to take the new position? - Family.  Chippewa Falls is one hour away from where my parents live and just over an hour away from my wife’s family.  In addition, I have many relatives and friends that live close by.  I grew up in the Wausau area, so it is an easy trip down Highway 29 to Chippewa.  Professionally, I was intrigued by the nature of the work and look forward to the challenge. 8. What will you miss most about the Wisconsin Heights community? - The relationships that we have built with other families in the community.  This community was very welcoming to our family when we moved here.  For my two youngest children, it is really the only community/friend group that they remember.  We were blessed to live in an awesome neighborhood in Black Earth.  We now have some lifelong friendships that were made here, and our kids will too. 9. If you were asked to give advice--any advice--to the new District Administrator--what would it be? - The incoming District Administrator is an interim who has more experience than I do - I probably do not have much in the way of sage advice for him.  What I can say is, enjoy your time in Wisconsin Heights.  You are coming into a wonderful district.