The Wauwatosa School Board approved Kaci Smith as Associate Principal at Wauwatosa West and Krishiana Farago as the new Dean of Students at their regular school board meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024. Kaci Smith formerly served as the Tosa West Dean of Students and Krishiana Farago formerly served as the associate principal at Whitman Middle School. Smith will fill the role vacated by Associate Principal Adam Bold, who is now serving as an associate principal at Hamilton High School.

Smith began her career at Wauwatosa West in August, 2023 as the Dean of Students. Previously, she served as a school counselor at Mukwonago High School, where she also served as committee leader for SEL curriculum implementation, scholarship coordinator, and GEDO2 coordinator, among other roles.

“I am incredibly excited to be transitioning from Dean of Students to Associate Principal at Wauwatosa West,“ stated Smith. “West is a special place filled with staff that are committed to helping all of our students be successful and creating a community where everyone feels they belong. Our students are remarkable, and I feel blessed to be a part of the leadership team that helps drive them to post-secondary achievement.”

Smith does not currently hold an administration certification in the State of Wisconsin, however she is scheduled to begin her principal certification coursework in January 2025 and is expected to complete the program in May of 2026. During the term of her program, the Wauwatosa School District will provide layers of support from the Divisions of Academic Performance and Pupil + Family Supports to ensure that she has the tools she needs while engaged in her own learning.

Tosa West had their first dean of students in the 2022-2023 school year. Current Associate Principal Paige Wrecke was hired for the position. She became associate principal when Associate Principal Leah Klaybor became a member of the Wauwatosa School District Human Resources Department. The addition of the dean of students position to the Tosa West Administrative staff has been positive for students and staff.

“Other students have told me how good their relationship is with Ms Smith and how they have enjoyed getting to know her. She is a good person to know,” said junior Espen Holtz.

Farago says that while she was the associate principal at Whitman Middle School, she worked to support students and promote a sense of belonging. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and how it can improve the learning environment for all students.

Now that she is settling into the building, Farago is “excited for more responsibility to improve school culture and collaborate with more mature students.”

The transition between roles in the district will be smooth, as both staff members already have strong connections with students and colleagues. West is excited to congratulate Ms. Smith in her new position and welcome Ms. Farago to the school.