Dr. Allison DeGraaf has been selected as the next superintendent of the School District of Janesville, with her tenure set to begin in the 2027-28 school year. DeGraaf will succeed Superintendent Mark Holzman, who announced his retirement Sept. 18 and will remain in the position through the end of the 2026-27 school year. The Janesville Board of Education said DeGraaf has spent her entire 35-year career in the district. She joined the district as a classroom teacher in 1991, served as an academic learning coach from 1997 through 2011, and was principal of Kennedy Elementary School from 2011 to 2017. She has been the district’s director of learning and innovation since 2017. “Having spent my entire career working alongside the extraordinary educators, staff, and families in this community, I know firsthand how special our district is,” DeGraaf said. “I look forward to partnering with our staff and families so that every learner can reach their full potential.” Board President Lisa Hurda said DeGraaf’s long experience in Janesville would provide continuity as the district moves into a new administration. “She knows our community inside and out, understands the needs of our students and staff, and holds deep-rooted trust across Janesville,” Hurda said. DeGraaf’s professional recognitions include Forward Janesville Educator of the Year in 2024, District Administrator of the Year in 2020, Principal of the Year in 2014 and Teacher of the Year in 1998. She holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Wisconsin superintendent license.