Troy M. Gunderson, Superintendent

Gunderson stepped into this position in 2010 after serving as Superintendent at Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau School District for two years, and Principal at West Salem High School for 15 years.Gunderson's days in the classroom were spent teaching mathematics at Melrose-Mindoro High School. Gunderson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree from Winona State University. You may contact Mr. Gunderson at gunderson.troy@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-0700.

Mark J. Carlson, High School Principal

Carlson joined West Salem in 2008 after serving as Principal at Stanley-Boyd High School for four years, Associate Principal at Wisconsin Dells High School for seven years and Associate Principal at Wapello Jr/Sr High School for two years. Carlson was also a high school teacher at Saydel Senior High School in Des Moines, IA. He earned a bachelor's degree at Augustana College and a master's degree at Drake University. You may contact Mr. Carlson at carlson.mark@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-1220.

Barbara B. Buswell, High School Associate Principal 

Buchanan joined West Salem in 1998 after teaching business education classes and serving as Activities Director for the La Crosse School District. She also spent several years teaching at Hillsboro School District. Buswell earned both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at Winona State University.  You may contact Mrs. Buswell at buswell.barb@wsalem.k12.wi.us  or (608)786-1220. 

Dean R. Buchanan, Middle School Principal

Buchanan joined West Salem in 1996 after teaching at Roosevelt Elementary School in La Crosse, WI for five years. Buchanan earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and a Master's from Winona State University. You may contact Mr. Buchanan at buchanan.dean@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-2090.

John J. Smalley, Elementary School Principal

Smalley stepped into his position in 2006 after serving as Associate Principal at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Menomonee Falls, WI for four years. Prior to this position, he served as Guidance Counselor at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and taught seventh grade social studies at Gregory Middle School in Naperville, IL. Smalley earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and his Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stout. You may contact Mr. Smalley at smalley.john@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-1662.

Lisa K. Gerke, Elementary School Associate Principal

Gerke joined West Salem after serving as a substitute principal at Washington Elementary School and Prairie River Middle School in Merill, WI. She also spent several years as a teacher at Black River Falls Middle School and Merill Area Public Schools. Gerke earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and a master's degree from Marian College.  You may contact Mrs. Gerke at gerke.lisa@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-1662. 

Michael A. St. Pierre, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

St. Pierre stepped into his role after serving as director of curriculum and instruction at Black River Falls School District. St. Pierre's days in the classroom were spent teaching fourth grade at Cedar Grove Belgium School District. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and a master's degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. You may contact Mr. St. Pierre at st.pierre.michael@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-1220.

Eric R. Jensen, Director of Pupil Services

Jensen joined West Salem after serving at director of special education and school psychologist at Arcadia School District. He also served as school psychologist and designated supervisor of special education at both De Soto Area School District and Potosi Public Schools. Jensen earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.  You may contact Mr. Jensen at jensen.eric@wsalem.k12.wi.us or (608)786-0700.