Meet the Leadership Team!

Welcome to the School District of Westfield! We are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all students.

We are proud to introduce our district-wide leadership team, including Michelle Johnson, District Administrator; Veronica VanDerhyden, Business Manager; Brenda Dahlke, Curriculum Director; and Kari Ropicky, Student Services Director. Together, they work to support students and families from a district-wide perspective, fostering academic excellence and supporting our staff, students, and community.

Our district comprises three elementary schools—Coloma, Oxford, and Westfield—serving approximately 465 students in grades 4K-5. Led by Elementary Principal, Brandy Miner and Assistant Elementary Principal, Nichol Meinhardt, our elementary schools are committed to providing high-quality education and support. Working alongside our leadership team, student service team, and elementary staff, Brandy and Nichol strive to meet the needs of every student and family in our community.

Students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 attend our centrally located middle school and high school, just outside the village of Westfield. With a total of 560 students, these schools are led by Principal Nick Ramcheck and Assistant Principal, Darrin Berger . They work diligently with the support of the student service team and dedicated staff to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for all.

Our unwavering commitment to our mission of “Inspiring every student, through every experience, every day” drives our efforts to nurture confidence in parents and guardians, assuring them that their children are receiving an exceptional education in a caring and supportive environment. Together, we strive to inspire every student, through every experience, every day, ensuring their success and well-being.

We look forward to welcoming you to our community and working together to create a bright future for all our students.

District Administrator - Michelle Johnson

I have dedicated 26 years to the field of education. I have served in various roles in a neighboring community, including teacher, elementary principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent, before becoming the district administrator of the School District of Westfield.

I grew up as a proud Pioneer and then earned my teaching degree at U.W. Madison, my Master’s degree in Technology in Education from Lesley University, my Principal Certification through Saint Mary’s University, and my Superintendent License from Viterbo University.

Serving my community is incredibly rewarding, and I consider myself fortunate to collaborate with our exceptional teachers and staff. I am deeply invested in making our community and school system a place of growth and opportunity, and I look forward to our partnership together.

Driven by a deep desire to impact students both within our community and statewide, I am committed to fostering academic excellence for students while supporting the staff, students, and community.

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Business Manager - Veronica VanDerhyden

I’ve spent 30 plus years working in school finance, including the past 20 serving other districts. Now that I’m back in the community I grew up in, I’m focused on helping our schools stretch every dollar. Providing a solid education with limited resources isn’t easy, but it’s work I care deeply about—and it matters even more when it’s for the place I call home. It’s unfortunate that we’ve had to ask for a capital referendum and soon an operational one, but the truth is—we’re behind financially, and we need the support just to keep up. I wouldn’t be asking if we didn’t truly need it. I care deeply about making our district something the community can be proud of, and I’m committed to doing the hard work to get us there.

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Elementary Principal - Brandy Miner

As the Elementary Principal for the School District of Westfield, I bring 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and coordinator for gifted and talented programs, as well as summer school and after-school initiatives. Each of these roles has shaped my belief that strong teaching and learning come from high expectations, purposeful support, and meaningful relationships. I believe in setting high standards for both students and staff, knowing that everyone has the potential to succeed when given the right tools and encouragement. I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and has access to the resources they need to thrive. I envision our schools as places where all children feel empowered to grow, learn, and succeed. I look forward to my third year working with the students, parents, staff, and greater community of the district. Together, we will continue to celebrate all the wonderful things that make the School District of Westfield a great place to live and learn.

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Elementary Principal - Nichol Meinhardt

With 24 years of experience in education, I am passionate about student growth, instructional excellence, and inclusive learning environments. I have taught at both the elementary and middle school levels and have served in a variety of leadership roles, including being a mentor teacher, instructional coach, summer school coordinator, team leader, and member of curriculum pilot committees.

I am grounded in the belief that all students can learn at high levels and am committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities where every student feels valued and empowered. I embrace a collaborative leadership style that centers on working closely with teachers, families, and all stakeholders to ensure that the School District of Westfield continues to be a place where excellence and community thrive.

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Middle School & High School Principal - Nick Ramcheck

It is a pleasure to continue serving the Westfield School District as your Middle and High School principal as we head into our second year. Reflecting on the incredible connections we made over the past year, I am more excited than ever to build upon that foundation. My background as an educator continues to drive my commitment to helping our students reach their full potential as individuals, doing my best to build connections with each and every student that walks in our halls.

As a former science teacher, I believe that curiosity is the spark that ignites learning and personally attempt to embrace this value in all aspects of my practice. My personal hope is to foster this in our students, staff, and community as we work together to move forward into our future. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate and hope to continue to learn from the experiences everyone can bring to the table.

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my wife and two young children. I also participate in a wide variety of hobbies and activities, always willing to try and learn something new. Some of my favorites include playing and collecting a wide variety of board games, staying active through working out and sports, building furniture in my woodshop, and traveling to as many places as possible. I look forward to continuing to contribute to this wonderful community.

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Middle School & High School Assistant Principal - Darrin Berger

I am excited to begin my second year as assistant principal at Westfield MS/HS. My 16 years in education includes work in special education, academic and behavioral intervention, social-emotional learning, and coaching a variety of sports.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, son, and our dog. I also enjoy reading, golfing, hunting, fishing, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.

I look forward to continuing to connect with students, families, and staff, and being an active member of both the school and broader community. I’m deeply committed to building strong, positive relationships and fostering a supportive environment where every student can grow and succeed.

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Student Services Director - Kari Ropicky

I am excited to step into the role of Director of Student Services for the Westfield School District. With over 20 years of experience in special education at both the elementary and high school levels, I bring a deep commitment to supporting all learners. I strive to lead with compassion and purpose—advocating for students, supporting staff, and ensuring equitable access to services for every child. My approach centers on building strong relationships, advocating for student needs, and collaborating with staff and families to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. I’m passionate about fostering open communication, continuous growth, and a positive school culture where every student can thrive.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Westfield School District and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team of administrators.

📧 Email 📞 608-296-2141