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Albany superintendent recovering after accident

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Stephen E. Guenther

ALBANY — School district officials have adjusted administrative responsibilities while the superintendent recovers from serious injuries suffered during a tree cutting accident at his home Saturday.

Superintendent and elementary school principal Steve Guenther was cutting a tree at his home when a branch fell and pinned him to the ground, said Traci Davis, who has temporarily taken over as superintendent.

Guenther was flown to an area hospital, she said, with serious but not life-threatening injuries. He was listed in fair condition Monday afternoon at UW Hospital, Madison, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Guenther is expected to make a full recovery, though it might be lengthy, she said. He is not up for visitors yet, she said.

The school board held an emergency meeting Sunday night to discuss how to adjust staff.

Davis, the director of pupil services and middle/high school principal, will take over Guenther’s duties until officials can assess Guenther’s condition and get his input. Teachers and other staff will help fulfill Davis’ normal responsibilities.

“There’s a lot of unknowns,” she said. “We’ll just keep assessing the situation as it develops.”

Support from the community and surrounding school district communities has been overwhelming and appreciated, Davis said.

It’s possible Guenther could return to work before the end of the school year, she said, but officials are preparing different levels of plans.