Former Superintendent Jack Magnuson Has Died

Dr. Jack Magnuson, former superintendent of the Menomonee Falls School District, passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.

Magnuson served as superintendent from 1969 to 1988. During his time as the district’s leader, he managed and implemented significant transitions that included shifting from two high schools to one as well as other structural changes in the schools.

Magnuson was a leader throughout metro-Milwaukee in implementing the Chapter 220 student transfer program. Menomonee Falls now educates 199 students through the program.

Magnuson also developed the Adult High School Diploma Program in cooperation with Waukesha County Technical Institute.

Magnuson lived by the philosophy that it is “what one does that counts, not when.” Each year while superintendent he hosted at least three graduation ceremonies in his office for adults from Menomonee Falls who completed one of WCTC’s adult high school diploma programs.

Magnuson left high school before graduating in Stillwater, Minnesota to serve in the U. S. Marines during World War II. When he returned to his hometown after the war, he was tutored by his high school principal and an English teacher.

Magnuson continued his pursuit in education earning degrees from the University of Minnesota, Wisconsin State College – River Falls, and the University of Wisconsin. He continued his lifelong pursuit, becoming an English teacher and served as a high school principal and administrator in North Dakota and Wisconsin. 

Magnuson got his start with the district as a business manager in 1960, an assistant superintendent in 1965, and became superintendent in 1969.

“While I did not have a chance to work directly with Dr. Magnuson, he was a wonderful mentor for Tom Joynt, Jim Shaw and myself,” said Superintendent Keith Marty. “Dr. Magnuson was dedicated to all children before the concept became known. He is responsible for the quality education we have today in Menomonee Falls through his 19 years as superintendent.”

Dr. Magnuson is survived by his wife, Mary Louise, and their three children.