WINONA, Minn. – After four years running the Winona public schools, Annette Freiheit has announced plans to to retire at the end of the school year. “After 34 years in education, it is time for me to pass on the torch to others,” said Freiheit. She is 61. Her announcement came two days after voters rejected a $94 million proposal to modernize schools, notably the aging Washington-Kosciusko and Jefferson buildings. While the referendum was a setback, Freiheit’s record also includes navigating the unpredictable waters of the CoVid-19 pandemic and working with the school board and community to develop a strategic plan on systemic changes geared to student needs as individuals. Said Nancy Denzer chair of the School Board: “We appreciate her compassion and empathy during a difficult time, and we wish her well in retirement.”
Freiheit. Holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’from Winona State University. Her doctorate is from Hamline. Her salary: $158,000