Crispell accepts post as next Prentice school administrator

The Prentice Public School Board recently announced that Keith Crispell will become the school district administrator. Crispell will replace Randy Bergman who will retire at the end of the school year.

According to school board minutes from February, the school board narrowed its administrator search to three finalists. They included John Humphries, a school psychologist in Antigo; Craig Braaten, a Rib Lake graduate who is now principal and athletic director of Cornell High School; and Crispell, who for the past four years has served as superintendent at Creede Public School District in Colorado.

Crispell is a husband and father to two sons, a sportsman and an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys making his own lures, building rustic furniture, and constructing off-grid log cabins, according to his public message that was posted on the Prentice School District Facebook page. As a lifelong educator Crispell said he has 30 years of experience in multiple grade levels, and served as an elementary principal and a K-12 dean of students before becoming superintendent.

“Although I am coming to Prentice from high up in the Rocky Mountains, please don’t let my previous Colorado address deceive you, as I am a true Wisconsinite through and through,” Crispell said in his message. “From my strong midwest work ethic to my season Packer tickets in the northern end zone, I have a strong desire to be a visionary leader who models continuous improvement, and leads by example.”

Crispell received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse. He gained a principal’s license from Viterbo University, and received his superintendent license through the University of Edgewood where he continues working toward a doctorate.

Crispell said he looks forward to building relationships with the Prentice school district and community. He is proud and excited to be a part of the educational team that works to expand opportunities for all students to be successful at the next level.

“It’s a great day to be a Buccaneer!” Crispell said.