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Williams Bay superintendent stepping down

WILLIAMS BAY — The Williams Bay School Board unexpectedly received news this week that Superintendent Fred Vorlop will retire.

Vorlop, who spent nearly 10 years with the district, sent an email to school board members Tuesday. The short letter thanked the board for its service and efforts to maintain the quality of education in Williams Bay.

Vorlop plans to step down Sept. 1.

The notice gives the board 10 weeks if they want to seat a new superintendent before Vorlop leaves the district. The board called a special meeting tonight to accept Vorlop’s retirement, but it won’t begin discussing the hiring process until another meeting can be set.

“We won’t be waiting,” board President Kim Travis said. “We will be moving along.”

Vorlop is on vacation this week and could not be reached for comment.

The board already had a full plate before Tuesday’s announcement, as members continue to grapple with the district’s budget woes.

Williams Bay is facing a $600,000 deficit during its next fiscal year. Over the last few months, the board approved layoffs, fee increases and cutbacks to alleviate the financial pressure.

Vorlop previously said more reductions are likely, and the board might choose to revisit a failed referendum that would allow the district to exceed the state’s revenue cap. The earliest a referendum would go to voters is February.

Searching for a superintendent can span several months. The board must advertise the position and screen and interview candidates. It also could allow time for relocation if a candidate is chosen from outside the state.

The school board meets once a month, but special meetings could be designated during the summer to conduct the administrator search.