Samuel Karns will serve as the next Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District, effective July 1.
The appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA). Earlier this spring, HYA facilitated a series of focus groups with WUSD students, staff, families, local organizations, and community members to gather input on the district’s priorities and the desired qualities of its next leader. The feedback collected was used to develop a leadership profile that guided candidate recruitment and selection.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Karns to the Whitewater Unified School District,” said Stephanie Hicks, Board President. “Throughout the search process, the community expressed a desire for a student-focused, collaborative leader who understands how to support academic growth and build strong relationships. Mr. Karns brings experience in all these areas, and we look forward to partnering with him in service of our students.”
Karns currently serves as Principal of Todd Elementary School in Beloit. Under his leadership, the school improved its Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Report Card rating from “failing to meet expectations” to “meeting expectations.” In recognition of his work, Karns was named 2025 Wisconsin Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) and received the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Leadership Award.
Before leading Todd Elementary, Karns held Assistant Principal positions at McNeel Intermediate School in Beloit and Landrum Middle School in Houston, Texas. He also served in district administration as Assistant Director for Student Wellness from 2016 to 2018.
Karns holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Texas A&M University. He completed his superintendent licensure program at Concordia University in December 2024 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.
Karns is an advocate of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework and has presented on the topic at national conferences hosted by ASCD, SHAPE America, and other educational organizations.
The WUSD School Board will share additional information in the coming weeks regarding opportunities to welcome Karns to the district community.
Stephanie Hicks, School Board President
920-723-7892
stephaniehicks@wwusd.org
