Luxemburg-Casco Intermediate School Principal Jolene Hussong Retiring at End of 2022-23 School Year
Leaves Legacy of High Academic Performance by Students
One of the most recognizable and successful people in the Luxemburg-Casco School District, Intermediate School Principal Jolene Hussong, will be retiring at the end of the current academic year. The students within her building, consisting of Grades 3-6, consistently perform at the highest level in state testing, while also enjoying the ‘family feel’ she has created.
“I will miss the people the most,” Hussong said. “The staff is amazing, and many of the relationships will continue.”
Her position will be filled by Heather Mleziva (of the Denmark, Wisconsin School District), who Hussong is helping to transition into the role.
“During her tenure at the Intermediate School, Principal Hussong created a family environment that focused on helping staff and students become their best selves,” said Jo-Ellen Fairbanks, Ph.D., Luxemburg-Casco superintendent. “She held high expectations, but provided supports so that everyone could reach those expectations. I will miss her sense of humor, wicked laugh, and the things she does to let staff know how much they are appreciated. I wish her joy, peace, and adventure in the next chapter of her life.”
Hussong shares her belief that building the quality staff of L-C Intermediate School – and strengthening relationships among staff – is one of her bigger accomplishments over 20 years with the district. She estimates that 80 percent of the current staff were hired by her. “It’s a family here,” Hussong says.
Her immediate plans are to travel extensively with her spouse, Janette, a retired educator. Upcoming trips are planned to Europe in September and Hawaii in October.
She also will be spending three months next winter in southern California.
Hussong, who turned 58 earlier this year, hopes to re-engage in her love of sports, specifically running, biking and playing golf. Most students don’t realize that she was a decorated prep athlete, serving as the starting point guard on the first girls state championship basketball team of De Pere High School, in 1983.
She went on to earn the first win in UW-Green Bay women’s softball program history as the starting pitcher. She subsequently participated in field hockey, basketball, softball and soccer at UW-Stevens Point before graduating in December 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, health education and adaptive P.E.
Hussong shares what she sees as a unique aspect of the fact that she is retiring this year. She wore number 23 during her career as a basketball point guard, and is retiring in 2023. The most famous number 23 in basketball history is Michael Jordan of the six-time World Champion Chicago Bulls. Without a doubt, Jolene Hussong has been a champion within Luxemburg-Casco Intermediate School for the last two decades. She will be missed!