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Onalaska high school’s new associate principal grew up on a dairy farm near Fountain City, Wis., and comes to Onalaska from a position teaching agriculture.

The Onalaska school board on Monday voted unanimously to hire Jared Schaffner, the candidate recommended by Superintendent John Burnett.

Schaffner, whose appointment is effective Aug. 11, succeeds Paul Coenen, who recently resigned. His appointment is contingent on his release from the Pulaski Community School District.

It will be the first administrative position for Schaffner, 30, although he thinks his experience at Pulaski Community High School has prepared him. He led an ag program there with about as many students as Onalaska, “dealing with discipline, making difficult decisions and helping students understand why the decisions were made.”

There were about 30 applicants for the position, Burnett said. Of the four who interviewed, Burnett said, Schaffner was the favorite of the screening committee, comprised of administrators, teachers, board and community members.

“What stuck out was he is so approachable, so passionate,” said board member Ann Garrity.

Principal Pete Woerpel endorsed Schaffner.

The job is about respect, Burnett said. “We are not looking for a drill sergeant, but someone who can help students understand what is expected of them.”

See this week's Onalaska Community Life for more on Monday's Onalaska Board of Education meeting.