Longtime Bristol School district administrator Gale Ryczek retires

Gayle Ryczek at the dedication of the Bristol School "Gale Ryczek Wing" in October, 2014.

Gayle Ryczek at the dedication of the Bristol School “Gale Ryczek Wing” in October, 2014.

After nearly 30 years at Bristol School, Gale Ryczek will retire as district administrator effective July 1.

Ryczek’s retirement was accepted by the School Board Tuesday.

The board will begin looking for a successor immediately, a press release from the board said.

Ryczek, 68, was hired as Bristol district administrator in 1987, making him the longest tenured current district administrator in Western Kenosha County.

As for the timing of the move, he just felt the time had come for retirement, Ryczek told westofthei.com.

Here is the text of the school board’s announcement:

At the Bristol School Board meeting on January 12, 2016, District Administrator Gale Ryczek announced his retirement after 29 years as the Bristol Schools Administrator effective July 1, 2016. Gale Ryczek began teaching in 1972 at Hiawatha High School in Kirkland, Illinois where he taught drivers Education and English. He coached baseball, basketball, and football during his three years at Kirkland. In 1975 he became the Guidance Counselor and director of Pupil Services for Salem Grade School, where he remained for 11 years. He also served as a driver education instructor for Central High School, District of Westosha during this time. Besides his work at Salem Grade School and Central High School, Mr. Ryczek volunteered countless hours to the community in which he lived. He served on the Salem Grade School Board of Education for 6 years and the Salem Town Planning and Zoning Board. He was extremely proud to have started the Westosha Area Sports League, which provided organized softball, basketball, soccer, and T-ball to children in the county at time when these opportunities didn’t exist. He also served 6 years on the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, as well as 17 years as President of the Westosha Central High School Booster Club. Mr. Ryczek began his administrative career in the Reek Elementary School of Lake Geneva in 1986 as the District Administrator. He was then hired the following year as the District Administrator of the Bristol School District, returning him closer to home. He continued to remain active in the local community by coaching Lakeland Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. Mr. Ryczek started and ran the Bristol School’s Golf Outing which raises significant funds for the District’s PBIS school program. Mr. Ryczek also had a penchant for collecting lost golf balls. During his 29 years as Bristol School Administrator, Mr. Ryczek tirelessly devoted his time and energy to Bristol School and the community. In recognition of his commitment and service to the people of Bristol, Mr. Ryczek was awarded Bristol Person of the Year in 2011, and in 2014 the Bristol School addition was dedicated in his name as the “Gale Ryczek Wing. The Bristol School Board will immediately begin its search for a successor.”

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2 Comments

  1. Greg Galich says:

    Enjoy your retirement my friend. This will give you time to go ice fishing with me.

  2. I was a member of the Bristol School Board when Gale was hired. We saw what a talented, dedicated person he was and knew we were lucky to have him at Bristol. I always enjoyed his “straight shooter” way of dealing with everyone. It was wonderful working with you, Gale. Wishing you a retirement filled with happiness.

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