Former Lincoln High School Principal and teacher Lee Thennes was appointed in September 2024 to serve as Interim Superintendent and appointed Superintendent in April of 2025.
“Serving this community, where pride in our schools runs deep, is a privilege I take to heart," Thennes said. "I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence, supporting our dedicated staff, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will build on the foundation of community that makes Manitowoc so special."
Thennes has been a passionate advocate for MPSD students and staff in his approximately two decades with the district, first as a high school social studies teacher and then as principal of Wilson Junior High and Lincoln. Last year he moved to the Central Office to serve as Director of Federal and State Programs and lead the district’s team of principals.
He has been Board President for The Haven of Manitowoc County, a local homeless shelter, since 2019, and volunteered for nine years on the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees. Thennes and his wife, Erin, a school counselor at Lincoln, have raised their children in Manitowoc. Their daughter, Samantha, is a senior at Lincoln and son, Carter, is a junior. Except for four years as an associate principal in Sheboygan, Thennes has spent his entire educational career in the MPSD.
Families and colleagues have praised Thennes’ ability to make students feel welcome and valued as he models a solution-focused leadership style that is compassionate, collaborative, pragmatic and positive. As a teacher and principal, he has made strong connections with students.
One mother said Thennes helped her son who has autism develop a love for school and succeed in class and the community. She nominated Thennes for a “LifeChanger of the Year” education award when he was principal of Wilson Jr. High, saying he “puts his heart out there for each and every family and student,” greeting students outside the school every morning, celebrating their accomplishments and cheering them on after hours at extracurricular activities. A Lincoln graduate who is now an elementary school principal in the Kenosha Unified School District said Thennes remains her favorite teacher.
Thennes earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science Education and History Education from Northern Michigan University in 2001. During college he served as a School Board member for his childhood school district, Big Bay de Noc School District in Cooks, Michigan. After college he joined the MPSD, teaching social studies for 10 years, five of those as department head. While teaching he also served as a Manitowoc city alderman from 2005 to 2009 - the last two years as Common Council president, and for another term in 2011.
Thennes moved into educational administration in 2011, taking a position as Associate Principal at Sheboygan North High School. He served there until 2015 when he returned to the MPSD as Principal of Wilson Jr. High for two years and then Principal of Lincoln for six years.
While at Lincoln, Thennes and his team developed Academic and Career Planning curriculum; fostered the growth of the Youth Apprenticeship program from 57 students to now more than 120; and facilitated the creation and implementation of the “Rising Phoenix” program with UW-Green Bay and the “Early College” program with Lakeshore Technical College, saving students and families collectively more than $350,000 in tuition costs.
EDUCATION:
Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WISuperintendent Licensure Program
Eligible Licenses: (03) District Administrator
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Degree Awarded: 2009
Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WIMasters in Educational Leadership
Eligible Licenses: (10) Principal (51) Director of Curriculum
GPA: 3.96/4.0
Degree Awarded: 2001
Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Bachelor of Science – Political Science Education/History Education
Licenses: 7-12 Political Science Education & History Education
GPA: 3.83/4.0
RELATED LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:
- The Haven of Manitowoc CountyPresident, Board of Directors, 2019-Present
- Manitowoc Public Library, Manitowoc, WIBoard of Trustees, 2013–2022
- City of Manitowoc, Manitowoc, WIAlderman District 1, 2005–2009; 2011
- President of the Manitowoc Common Council, 2008-2009
- Manitowoc Public Utilities Commissioner, 2007-2009
- Chairman of Public Utilities and Licensing Committee, 2007-2009
- City of Manitowoc Ethics Board member, 2006-2007
- Big Bay de Noc School District, Cooks, MI School Board Member, 1997–2001
- Hired and evaluated Superintendent
- Bargained administrative, professional and support staff contracts
- Adopted a ten-year sinking fund millage to keep up with building and maintenance during a period of declining enrollment
