The Onalaska School District Board of Directors unanimously selected Brenda Padgett as Onalaska School District’s next superintendent, pending employment contract negotiations, during a special meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 following an extensive interview process involving students, staff, parents, community members, and the Board throughout the day.

Padgett, who is currently the Executive Director of Business and Operations for the Tenino School District Superintendent will take the reins as the district’s new leader on July 1, 2023. Interim Superintendent, Kristin Soderback, will remain as the district’s leader through June 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Brenda to the Onalaska community,” Board President Tanya Naillon said. “The Board was impressed with her extensive district leadership experience aligned with many of our district’s greatest needs at this time. This was a difficult decision given the strong group of applicants we had, and we feel we have selected the best candidate to lead Onalaska School District into the future.”

The school board would like to thank all of the staff, students, parents and community members who participated in the process of selecting our new superintendent over the past few months.

It is anticipated that Mrs. Padgett will schedule transition activities this spring prior to her official start this July. The district will communicate to staff and community members as these details are determined.

Onalaska Elementary School

Brenda Padgett Selected as Next Onalaska Superintendent