At the October Board meeting the Wheatland J1 School Board approved District Administrator Martin McGinley’s notice of retirement. He will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 School year after 14 years with the District. During his tenure, the District has passed 5 referendums and has reduced the tax levy in 13 of those 14 years. The most recent referendum was a 4 year operating referendum which passed with overwhelming community support in April of 2026. This unprecedented success and local support has solidified Wheatland’s place as a leader in the area for years to come.
In his resignation letter Mr. McGinley spoke fondly of his time at Wheatland. “ I want to thank the Wheatland School Board for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility and opportunity. At the conclusion of this year, I will have spent the last 14 years of my career at Wheatland and I wouldn’t change a thing. I have been blessed to work with so many dedicated professionals and I am grateful for their commitment to the Wheatland students. Their care for students is unmatched, and they are the singular reason we have experienced so much success. All members of the staff have continued to grow and hone their craft to uphold our promise of student success. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished together. Wheatland is a very special place.”
Since 2014, the district has gone from an enrollment of 400 students to its current enrollment of approximately 650 students. This year students have come to Wheatland from 15 school districts and well over 400 square miles. Wheatland students have extended learning options in Science, Technology, Arts and Math and nearly all students participate in some form of extracurricular activity. Wheatland also recently added the Southeast Virtual Academy in a partnership with Westosha Central and began accepting students in August. SVA is a unique virtual charter with robust hybrid options, thereby impacting students and expanding Wheatland’s reach across the entire state of Wisconsin. Wheatland students continue to exceed expectations on Wisconsin’s school report card, which includes exceptional student growth that outpaces most districts in the state.
Board President Heidie Dunn expressed appreciation for McGinley’s leadership over the past 14 years, stating, “Mr. McGinley has guided Wheatland Center School in such a way that the future of the district is secure thanks to the systems, community connections, and leadership opportunities he has created throughout his tenure. We are grateful for his service to the staff, students, and the Wheatland community, but know that the transition to new leadership will be smooth, thanks in large part to what he has built here.”
The district will be taking applications for the position of District Administrator in the Wheatland J1 School District through the school’s website. The position will begin on July 1, 2027.