The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has announced several principal and assistant principal appointments for the 2026–27 school year, following a comprehensive selection process for each that included stakeholder feedback, community hiring panels and multiple rounds of interviews.
“Our school leaders play a critical role in shaping the experiences students and families have each day,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “We are excited to welcome and support those who are deeply committed to equity, collaboration and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
New principal at Ray W. Huegel Elementary School
Jessica Fleischmann has been selected as principal of Ray W. Huegel Elementary School. Since 2023, she has served as assistant principal at Ray F. Sennett Middle School, where she has led work related to teacher development, special education systems and school culture. Fleischmann began her MMSD career in 2014 as a bilingual middle school teacher and later served as an instructional facilitator and instructional coach. She is also an MMSD alum.
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New principal at Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School
Jabalja Gussine has been named principal of Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School. An MMSD alum, Gussine has served as assistant principal at Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School for the past five years, focusing on educator development, school systems, student safety and community engagement. He has also served as a middle school principal during four summer semesters and previously worked as a school counselor at West High School.
Assistant principals at Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Andrea Kreft has been appointed assistant principal at Vel Phillips Memorial High School after serving in the role on an interim basis throughout the 2025–26 school year. Kreft previously spent nearly two decades leading MMSD elementary schools, including César Chávez, Marquette and John Muir elementary schools, with a focus on instructional leadership, staff development and student achievement.
Dr. Louis Macias will also join Vel Phillips Memorial High School as assistant principal. Most recently, he served as interim dean of students at Middleton High School, supporting behavior systems, student engagement and family partnerships. He also brings experience in higher education leadership and secondary social studies instruction.
“These leaders bring deep experience, strong relationships and a clear commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “I look forward to seeing how they will work with their teams to strengthen our schools and create welcoming, inclusive learning communities where students feel supported, challenged and inspired.”
The appointments reflect MMSD’s continued focus on cultivating leaders who center student belonging, strong instruction and meaningful family and community partnerships.
Anyone interested in joining MMSD is encouraged to view the list of open opportunities on the district’s career portal.
