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GALESVILLE, Wis. — West Salem High School Principal Troy Gunderson has been tapped to become the next superintendent of the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District.

The school board Thursday approved Gunderson to replace Craig Gerlach, G-E-T superintendent since 2001, who accepted the same position for Monona Grove School District in Monona, Wis., a suburb of Madison, in April.

“It’s been an interesting week,” Gunderson said. “I couldn’t even walk my dog without everyone asking me if I was leaving.”

Gunderson, 46, has been principal at West Salem High School for 15 years. The Colfax, Wis., native signed a two-year contract and will start Aug. 1.

A former Melrose-Mindoro High School teacher, Gunderson received his bachelor of science from the University of Minnesota in 1985, master’s degree from Winona State University in 1992 and his certification to be a superintendent from WSU in 2002.

Gunderson said he sought the position because he was familiar with the district, wanted to remain in the area and thinks G-E-T has a good reputation. He will commute the approximately 25 miles from West Salem for the next school year so his youngest daughter can finish her final year at West Salem High School, which he said he’s enjoyed leading.

“In the high school principal business, I had one of the best jobs in Wisconsin,” Gunderson said.

Gunderson was chosen over one other finalist, Holmen Middle School Principal Lisa Snyder. G-E-T School Board president Tanya Gendreau said Gunderson was the best fit for the district.

“He’s got administrative experience, experience in a building that was remodeling, and he has a good personality fit for the area and the district,” Gendreau said.

Gunderson told the board he will resign from West Salem today.