UPDATE: HMS’ Koch is middle school principal of the year

• From left, Dianne Franklin, Julie Koch, Dan Koch and Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten

Pictured from left are HMS Associate Principal Dianne Franklin, Julie Koch, Dan Koch and Hudson School District Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl
• Hudson Middle School Principal Dan Koch, left, and Associate Principal Dianne Franklin

Hudson Middle School Principal Dan Koch was the last to know he had been named the Wisconsin State Middle School Principal of Year. Associate Principal Dianne Franklin, right, and the rest of the school staff enjoyed pulling one over on the boss. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

Talk about it

The announcement March 28 that Hudson Middle School Principal Dan Koch had been chosen state middle school principal of the year was met with thunderous applause from students and teachers packed into the school gym.

Koch was not aware he was getting the honor prior to the school assembly. The presentation was made by a representative of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA). Each year AWSA chooses one elementary, middle and high school level principal to be awarded this honor.

Koch, who has been an educator for 39 years, 17 as HMS principal, said he was totally surprised which is difficult for a man “who prides himself on knowing everything that is going on in his building.”

He gave credit for his success to his staff and the students. “This is a testament to all of you… When we work together as a team, we move forward. I am very proud of receiving this award and you should all be proud of the role you played in it as well,” said Koch.

Guests that included Rep. Dean Knudson, Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten and Board of Education President Barb Van Loenen praised Koch for his leadership of the state’s largest middle school and for his commitment to middle school education.

The superintendent called Koch a very popular principal who is a dedicated educator and leader who has with his staff had high expectations, resulting in improved student achievement scores in both reading and mathematics. As a result, Hudson Middle School has received the Middle School of Excellence Award twice.

Said Bowen-Eggebraaten, “So who else would they pick but Mr. Koch?”

Van Loenen said she welcomed the “rare opportunity” to publically say thank you to Koch for his hard work and leadership. “He has a clear vision that he uses to inspire, encourage and coach others, challenging them to be better than they thought they could be…This is a very special school created in part by Mr. Koch’s leadership.”

Knudson called it an exciting day and recalled that his two children had both attended HMS under Koch’s leadership. “On behalf of the State of Wisconsin and the thousands of students and families he has touched, we are proud to have Mr. Koch as our middle school principal.”

According AWSA, after the three Wisconsin principals of the year have been chosen, the selection committee forwards the name of the Middle level principal of the year for nomination in the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) National Principal of the Year program.

The Hudson Middle School is the largest single middle school in the state. Its enrollment stands at 1,290 students.

More information about Koch’s award and the state’s Middle School of Excellence award go to the district’s website at www.hudson.k12.wi.us.

Tags: news, education, hudson