You will find familiar faces in different roles next year in the Sturgeon Bay School District.

The resignation of Sturgeon Bay High School Principal Keith Nerby at the end of the school year prompted the reassignment of several administrators into expanded roles for the 2026-27 school year.

Jon Dupuis will serve as Sturgeon Bay High School dean of students and athletic director, while Mark Smullen will become principal for grades 6-10. Superintendent Dan Tjernagel will add principal responsibilities for grades 11-12 to his duties.

Tjernagel said the school board discussed various options and timelines for posting the high school principal position from this spring through the 2026-27 school year but ultimately decided to take a shared-responsibility approach, leaving the district with one fewer administrator. He added that the decision will allow for staff, student and community involvement in the hiring process.

With this approach, the district expects to hire a new principal in late winter or early spring, allowing that person to transition into the role ahead of the 2027-28 school year.