Next week Hudson School District Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten will recommend to the Board of Education the appointment of two elementary school principals.
Bowen-Eggebraaten will recommend Kathleen (Katie) Coppenbarger as the next Principal of River Crest Elementary and Kimberly (Kim) Osterhues as the next Principal of Willow River Elementary.
According to a news release from the Hudson School District:
Coppenbarger brings six years of administrative experience and more than 10 years of teaching experience to the Hudson School District. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership at Bethel University.
Coppenbarger served as a Grantsburg School District Principal in both PreK-Kindergarten and Gr. 1-3 Schools, K-12 Curriculum Director and Summer School Director. Earlier in her career, she was a music teacher in multiple districts.
According to the school district, while in Grantsburg, Coppenbarger implemented similar learning strategies to those used in Hudson and led successful efforts to raise student achievement.
People who have worked with Coppenbarger describe her as:
- “Phenomenal principal.”
- “A team player.”
- “Smart and confident."
- “She adapts to whatever is put in front of her.”
- “Energetic and a lifelong learner.”
When asked about leading River Crest Elementary, Coppenbarger responded:
“I am honored and excited to be joining the Hudson School District as principal of River Crest Elementary School. HSD 2025 establishes a clear vision, and I am looking forward to working together with the exemplary educators and dedicated parents in Hudson to continue the work at River Crest in making this vision come to life through all aspects of learning.”Bowen-Eggebraaten describes Coppenbarger as:
“A talented principal leader who will contribute to River Crest and the Hudson Schools’ system for learning from the very start.”
Osterhues is currently a Principal in the Shell Lake School District for Grades PreK-6. She also serves as Shell Lake’s Director of Curriculum. Osterhues has taught at the elementary level for over 18 years.
She has provided leadership and coordination of district and state assessments, according to the school district, and provided professional development for teachers on best practices and represented Shell Lake School District at academic workshops and conferences.
People who have worked with Osterhues describe her as:
- “Outstanding, a highly qualified professional.”
- “Exceptional knowledge base in academics and the social and emotional development of students.”
- “Staff respect her opinions and seek her out.”
- “Incredible contributor.”
Osterhues shared the following about becoming Willow River Elementary’s next Principal:
“I am honored to be joining the Hudson School District as principal of Willow River Elementary. My family and I are anxious to become a part of the progressive Hudson community. I am looking forward to continuing the culture of excellence set forth in the Hudson School District by working closely with students, staff and families.”
Bowen-Eggebraaten made this comment about her choice for Willow River:
“Individual representatives involved in the selection process immediately identified Ms. Osterhues’ strengths as an effective educational leader, communicator, and collaborator.”
Both Coppenbarger and Osterhues were recommended as final interview candidates by interview teams made up of River Crest and Willow River teachers, support staff, parents, elementary principals, and district administrators.
With Board approval, both women will begin working for the Hudson School District in early July.
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