Hanhardt, who has served in various administrative capacities within the district, has shared the news with his staff and the school board, and said that his formal resignation will be submitted during the board's February 11 meeting. His wife Bobbi will also be stepping down from her role as the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Bayfield High School.
"Our hearts will always be in Bayfield, but after very careful consideration, we have decided that this is the right decision for myself and my family," Hanhardt explained.
Hanhardt became superintendent three years ago, and he has spent that time making the district a more attractive place for both students and staff, with a particular focus on recruitment and retention of quality professionals to serve the children of the community.
A key initiative under Hanhardt's leadership was implementation of the district's move to a 4-day school week. The decision, which had been a topic of discussion in the community for years, was successfully implemented and received positive feedback from both parents and staff. Hanhardt also spearheaded a pay raise initiative that saw teacher and staff salaries increase by over one-third in just three years, a move that has helped Bayfield compete with neighboring districts for talent.
Hanhardt launched the district’s Continuous Improvement Initiative, which was centered on engaging students, fostering active family involvement, and providing unwavering support for staff.
"Our focus on recognizing and encouraging positive behavior and supporting students at every level helped create a positive culture and climate that serves as the cornerstone of our organization," he said.
He also led the charge on the creation of the Bayfield School District Graduate Profile, which outlines key characteristics and expectations for students to inform student learning and help guide future decision-making in the district.
"The expectations outlined in the Wolverine Profile really started with our leaders, who set consistent and reliable expectations for staff and students," Hanhardt said. "This focus on accountability and creating a positive climate has been foundational in helping our schools meet academic and achievement goals."
He also emphasized the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for students, and worked with the Bayfield Police Department to reinstate the district’s School Resource Officer (SRO) position.
Hanhardt’s tenure in Bayfield has been marked by several significant changes aimed at improving the district's educational experience, and he expressed a deep sense of optimism for the district’s future.
"This was an incredibly difficult decision, but I am confident in the people here and in the systems we have created. I have no doubt that they will continue to build on the framework we’ve created in the last three years to take the Bayfield School District to new heights in the future" he said.
Hanhardt was named assistant superintendent in 2021, before stepping into the role of superintendent in February 2022, and served as principal at Bayfield High School for several years. This move represents a big change professionally and personally, but the long-time Wolverine said he is looking forward to new challenges.
"We have loved this community and the people we’ve been privileged to work with, and we will miss everybody dearly," he said. "But we are also very excited about this opportunity and the new adventure that awaits for our family."