The Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Area School District will have a new leader for our youngest Bulldogs beginning in the 2026-2027 school year as Mrs. Susan Bayer is welcomed as the new principal for Roselawn Elementary.
Bayer will take over for Mr. Scott Kowalski, who accepted another educational role this summer. Mr. Matt Dommer will continue in his role as assistant principal, supporting Bayer as she transitions into the new position.
The new professional opportunity is more of a homecoming for Bayer, who grew up in Chetek and is a graduate of Chetek High School.
“I am honored to return to the area that I once called home,” notes Bayer. “I look forward to living and serving in my hometown community of Chetek and getting to know all of the families.”
Bayer holds a bachelor's degree from Augustana University, a master's degree in Education from St. Catherine's University, and is licensed as a PreK-12 administrator. Her diverse background has provided her with extensive experience in instructional leadership, curriculum, special education, professional learning, and school operations. She brings a wealth of educational knowledge and nearly 30 years of experience to this position. Most recently, Bayer served as Assistant Principal at Menomonie High School, a role she held for 11 years. Before that, she served as Principal of Wakanda Elementary School in Menomonie for six years. Throughout her career, she has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, a high school English teacher for seven years, an educator of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Brainerd, Minnesota, for six years, and taught English for one year as a "Copper King" in Calumet, Michigan.
“What impressed our interview team most was Susan's commitment to shared leadership and her genuine passion for supporting students and educators,” notes Superintendent Dr. Mark Johnson. “She values collaboration, believes in building strong relationships, and understands that the best schools are built by teams working together toward a common purpose. Her experience at both the elementary and secondary levels, combined with her thoughtful leadership style, positions her well to lead Roselawn Elementary into its next chapter.”
Bayer is recently remarried, and her husband, Bryan Bayer, is a retired fifth-grade teacher from Roselawn Elementary. The two are developing a Christmas tree farm just outside of Chetek. When not working, Susan enjoys quilting and spending time with family, which includes four children and two step-daughters who she says she is grateful to have in her life.
We are excited to welcome Mrs. Bayer to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser community!
