Dr. Melanie J. Oppor is the new administrator of the Manawa School District.

The Manawa School Board approved the appointment during its Aug. 18 meeting.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this school district, and I am very appreciative of the opportunity,” Oppor said. 

As a graduate of Little Wolf High School, she will be a familiar face to many people in the area.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Oppor’s first teaching position was at the Manawa Elementary School.

“I am glad to give back to the community that got me started on my career path,’ she said.

Oppor received masters and doctoral degrees in educational leadership and policy analysis from UW-Madison.

For the past 24 years, she served in various administrative roles in the Ripon Area School District.

“In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to meeting and getting acquainted (or reacquainted) with students, families, staff, administrators and community members,” Oppor said. “I look forward to working together with all district stakeholders to achieve our goal of making the School District of Manawa a leading Wisconsin high-achieving school district of excellence for all our learners.”  

In other business, Scott Rice was named president of the school board, with Helene Pohl as vice president and David Strebe as board clerk.

The board tabled filling the remaining board vacancy for representation from the towns of Royalton and Mukwa.

The board agreed to reopen the posting and discuss the topic in closed session at its Sept. 15 meeting, as recommended by board member Paul Sturm. The vote was 5-6, with Strebe voting no.

The board accepted the resignations of Dan Storch, business manager, and Connie Sell, special education administrative assistant.