An Important Message from University School of Milwaukee

The following letters were shared with the University School of Milwaukee community on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.

Dear USM Community,

With heartfelt gratitude for all we have accomplished together, I write to let you know that I will conclude my time as head of school in June 2027. By providing more than 18 months’ notice, I hope to support the Board of Trustees as they conduct a thoughtful and successful search for USM’s next leader.

Returning to my home state in July 2020 was a dream come true for me and my family. USM welcomed us during one of the most challenging moments in modern educational history. Together, with the support of an exceptional leadership team, faculty, and staff, we worked diligently to keep our doors open and our students learning. Many challenges would come in the years to follow, but my steadfast belief in USM’s mission and the guiding principles of our Common Trust helped me lead with conviction and clarity.

Since then, we’ve accomplished much together. We crafted and launched a forward-thinking strategic plan, navigated a successful reaccreditation process, opened new buildings and athletic fields, and implemented significant enhancements to campus security. But what I am most proud of is the exceptional team we have assembled—teachers, coaches, staff, and leaders who live out our mission every day. They show up with purpose and passion, and they inspire me constantly. I have never worked with a finer group of educators and professionals, and USM is truly fortunate to have them.

Stephanie and I will depart USM at the conclusion of the 2026–27 school year. While we are not yet certain what the next chapter will hold, we look forward to listening carefully for the right opportunity to lead and grow. Until then, I remain fully engaged, grateful for each day, and energized by the important, inspiring work still ahead. I also know that, when we leave, we will follow USM’s continued success with a strong sense of pride.

As I look ahead to the next year and a half, I am energized by the opportunities we have to strengthen our programs, deepen our community, and prepare for a smooth and successful transition to new leadership. USM celebrates 175 years of history this year, and it has been the privilege of my 37-year career to serve as the head of such an extraordinary school and community. Thank you for everything you have done, and will continue to do, in support of USM.

With sincere appreciation,

Steve Hancock
Head of School

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Dear USM Community,

On behalf of the school’s Board of Trustees, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Steve Hancock for his steadfast leadership and commitment to University School of Milwaukee since he and Stephanie joined our community in 2020. Steve has been thoughtful and gracious in coordinating his departure plans with the board, ensuring ample time to find USM’s next great leader. I am confident that he will continue to guide the school with his characteristic resolve and help ensure a smooth transition when he departs at the end of the 2026-27 school year.

When Steve steps away in 2027, he will have served for seven years as USM’s head of school, leaving behind a community strengthened by his vision and dedication. Arriving in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve led the safe reopening of campus and helped guide USM to record enrollment. Under his leadership, USM launched a new strategic plan centered on three commitments: Learners, Leaders, and Citizens; Community, Culture, and the Common Trust; and Resources for the Future. He has also reinforced USM’s mission to cultivate excellence in learning, leadership, and citizenship; ensure every student is engaged, known, and valued; and uphold the values of our Common Trust.

Julie Gilpin and Jan Pirozzolo-Mellowes, who are both current trustees and USM parents, have been appointed by the board to serve as co-chairs of the search committee, responsible for leading the school in the process of identifying Steve’s successor. The board has retained Carney, Sandoe & Associates, a national educational recruitment, search, and strategic consulting firm, to support this important work. Together, we are committed to an inclusive search process that seeks input from the entire USM community. In the weeks ahead, Julie and Jan will share further details about the process, timeline, and opportunities for engagement.

USM is well-positioned to continue its impressive trajectory under Steve’s leadership over the next 18 months, as he remains focused on additional priorities of our strategic plan. In addition to the two new amazing dining spaces that opened in August, there are more important campus transformation projects ahead, with exciting updates to come in late November. We look forward to all Steve will continue to bring to USM, and to celebrating his many contributions. Our next head of school will build on Steve’s significant achievements, carrying forward USM’s enduring mission and the values of respect, trust, honesty, fairness, and kindness. Steve has my deepest appreciation, as do all of you who make USM such a special community.

Sincerely,

Leslie M. Tector ’87
President, Board of Trustees