Sun Prairie, Wis. – Sun Prairie Superintendent Dr. Antoine Reed submitted a new application for a Wisconsin principal license on November 9, and the school board’s vice president reiterated that the board continues to back him while the state licensing process proceeds.

State licensing timeline

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) confirmed receipt of Reed’s application and indicated that, because of required background checks, the earliest a decision could be made is November 23. The agency stressed that this date represents the earliest possible decision, not a guarantee of approval.

Board’s confidence in Reed’s qualifications

Board Vice President Melissa Grayson explained that board members were aware Reed did not hold a Wisconsin license when he was hired on July 1. “The board always knew that he didn’t have the license yet,” Grayson said. “We knew that there was going to be a path there. So we’ve known about it the entire time.”

Grayson added that Reed was selected for the superintendent role because of his extensive experience and qualifications, and the board is not considering an interim superintendent. “He is the person we picked. He is the person for the job. He has the backing of the board,” she affirmed.

Reed’s response and community outreach

Reed told reporters that the licensing situation does not reflect a lack of transparency. He highlighted ongoing conversations with families and emphasized that the district is keeping the community informed. “We understand why they [community] are concerned. We understand why people are reaching out and we hear them loud and clear and we are going to be sharing as much information as we can as soon as we can,” Grayson said, echoing the district’s commitment to open communication.

Background on the licensing issue

DPI previously denied Reed’s earlier application on October 7, citing an incomplete submission that lacked employment verification documenting his principal experience in Illinois. The agency later clarified that the denial was not a final judgment but a request for additional information.

In an October 26 board meeting, Reed indicated that the issue centered on a verification form rather than the entire application, and he confirmed he remained in continuous communication with DPI. “So I was in continuous communication throughout that process,” Reed said.

State requirements and next steps

DPI’s 2024 licensing bulletin states that a district’s administrative head must hold a DPI license. If a superintendent holds a credential other than a district‑administrator license, the district may need appropriately licensed employees to perform duties outside that credential’s scope.

Licensing director Jennifer Kammerud wrote to Reed on September 28, noting that he could serve as superintendent under Wisconsin law if he held another Wisconsin educator license, but his duties would be limited by that credential. With a principal license, his work would be limited to the school‑building level until he obtained a superintendent license.

The district has indicated that other licensed administrators are signing off on operational and educational matters that require a Wisconsin license while Reed continues to perform superintendent duties.

Potential pathway to a superintendent license

DPI indicated that if Reed obtains a Tier II principal license through reciprocity, he could pursue a superintendent license via a separate out‑of‑state pathway. That pathway requires a qualifying teaching license and six semesters of teaching experience, which need not be full‑time. A principal license alone does not automatically grant a superintendent license.

The school board and district remain focused on ensuring compliance with state requirements while maintaining stability for students, staff, and families during the licensing review.

Community impact

Parents and community members have expressed concern about the licensing status, and the board has pledged to keep the public informed as new information becomes available. The district’s priority, according to board members, is the best interest of the scholars and the broader Sun Prairie community.

Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.