Peg Shoemaker will continue as interim principal at Sun Prairie West High School for the 2026-27 school year, district officials announced on Apr. 1.
The decision aims to provide stability and continuity for students and staff following a period of leadership transition. Parents, staff, and students were notified of the announcement on Tuesday.
“We are thrilled that Peg Shoemaker will continue with us for another year,’’ Secondary Director of Teaching, Learning and Equity Sarah Chaja-Clardy said. “As many of you know, Peg’s commitment to our Wolf Pack has been exemplary. By continuing her leadership into next year, we are ensuring a stable, supportive environment where our students can continue to thrive without the disruption of a transition that doesn’t perfectly fit our needs.’’
Shoemaker was named acting principal in September 2025 after retiring from Middleton High School earlier that year. She has worked in education for more than four decades and previously served as principal at Hudson High School for over ten years.
“I had the opportunity to work with Peg in Middleton and she is an amazing principal,’’ Interim Director of Communications and Engagement Perry Hibner said. “Leading a large, comprehensive high school isn’t easy. She has a calming presence and really listens to her staff and students. She cares and it shows in all the work and long hours she puts in.’’
Chaja-Clardy said the district spent several weeks reviewing applicants from Wisconsin and across the United States with backgrounds ranging from athletics to curriculum oversight before deciding that Shoemaker was best suited to address Sun Prairie West’s current challenges. “We have a very specific set of high standards for leadership of our high schools,’’ she said. “Our priority is to ensure that SPWHS has the steady, exceptional leadership it deserves and Peg provides that in abundance. It became clear that the best path forward for our students and staff is to maintain our current momentum.’’
The district plans to reopen its search during the next school year when it expects to attract more candidates.
