School Choice Wisconsin Announces New President

School Choice Wisconsin (SCW) has named Nicholas Kelly to the position of president, effective immediately, said Susan Mitchell, acting president and board chair.

Kelly joined SCW in July.  He formerly was the principal of St. Thomas More High School, a private school in Milwaukee that participates in Wisconsin’s parental choice programs.

As a principal Mr. Kelly took a special interest in making his students feel part of the school community. Under his leadership St. Thomas More implemented a four-year servant leadership program, an after-school mentoring/tutoring program, and a social and emotional wellness program through student services. He took a holistic approach to educating his students and accommodating their needs.

Kelly earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and was a recipient of the Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award in 2021.

“Nic has witnessed first hand the high value of educational options to students and families fortunate enough to win acceptance to the schools of their choice and the heartbreak of those who lose the lottery.  He is dedicated to our mission of expanding those opportunities,” Mitchell said.

“Our board looks forward to working with Nic to build on the considerable gains that Jim Bender and the SCW team have made during the past decade,” she said. Bender is the former president of SCW and currently serves as its Government Affairs Consultant.