Michael Hernandez Named Next Green Bay Area Public School District Superintendent

The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) has selected Michael Hernandez as its next superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. The decision was made during a special meeting of the Board of Education on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Hernandez’s Background and Experience

Hernandez currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Appleton Area School District, overseeing comprehensive high schools, charter schools, an alternative program, and district athletics. He previously held the position of Chief of Secondary Schools for the Madison Metropolitan School District for two years, and prior to that, served as principal at Madison East for eleven years.

Hernandez also holds positions as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Edgewood College, teaching courses in multicultural education, race and educational inequality, curriculum planning, and principalship. He is a graduate of the Harvard-trained leader in Urban Leadership and Instructional Rounds and the Howard University Urban Superintendent Program.

Selection Process and Board Statement

Hernandez was chosen from a pool of candidates that included Michael Trimberger, the current superintendent of the Random Lake School District. The Board of Education expressed confidence in Hernandez’s ability to improve school performance, noting his experience in districts facing similar challenges to GBAPS.

“Of all the different experiences and roles that the various candidates brought to the role who participated in the process, the Board of Education felt that Mr. Hernandez will bring practical experiences improving school performance in school districts that share many of the same challenges as GBAPS,” said GBAPS Board President James Lyerly in a news release.

Succession and Previous Leadership

Hernandez will succeed Vicki Bayer, who announced her retirement at the end of the school year. Bayer had been serving as interim superintendent since March 2024, following the resignation of Claude Tiller. Tiller’s departure was marked by controversy stemming from remarks made on an Atlanta radio show.

Hernandez’s Vision for Green Bay

Hernandez expressed his enthusiasm for the Green Bay position, stating it was the only superintendency he actively pursued. He highlighted the importance of school safety and the budget as key areas of focus. He also emphasized his commitment to building relationships within the community, stating, “The visibility is the sign of a true leader, being able to listen and learn, and so by doing that, I believe the community will see that we will be able to build these relationships, and my hope is to be able to retire here.”