Though Mark Gruen had excelled in 14 years of administration experience in other locations, it was just not the same until he accepted the job of Royall School District superintendent of schools.

Gruen has come full circle as he returns to his Royall High School alma mater as an administrator. He was a 1987 graduate, and grew up in Wilton.

He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and from 1992 to 1996 taught at Verona elementary and middle schools. At Verona, he had been hired by now state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, and then filled in for a short stint teaching for a few months in the Mauston School District.

Following teaching, he expanded his horizons as the activities director of Logan High School in La Crosse for five years.

He moved up to become the elementary principal at Onalaska. Gruen served as the principal at Eleva-Strum High School and Middle School for three years, during which time he was nominated for the principal of the year.

From there, he was promoted to superintendent of schools in 2008.

He also wears other hats. Throughout his teaching internship and previous positions, he filled in as a school bus driver, coached girls' basketball, volleyball, softball and wrestling.

His wife, Sarah (Manson), is also a Royall High School graduate and is happy to be returning to the area. They have four children: Emma, 8, Bryce, 6, Marah, 4, and Bria, 2, who will be attending school in the district when school age.

He chose to be a superintendent because it seemed to be in his nature. "I have always aspired to lead," he said. "In every circle I have been in, I've always taken a leadership role such as in college wrestling. I've always felt that inner pull to lead."

His hobbies are fishing, hunting, playing cards and spending time with his family.

For favorite reading material, he said, "I read a lot of Dr. Seuss to my children."

As for future goals in the new position, Gruen said, "I intend to work with the staff and community to put the pride back in the Panther."

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