Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is governed by a nine-member district board appointed by the school board presidents from the 30 K-12 school districts within the Southwest Tech district. Pursuant to Wisconsin statute 38.08(1)(a), the district board consists of two employer members, two employee members, three additional members, one elected official member who holds a state or local office, and one school district administrator.

Each year, three members are elected to serve three-year terms beginning July 1. The annual appointment process typically begins each January.

The appointment will be made in accordance with the Plan of Representation which specifies categories of membership as well as geographic areas of representation within the district. This plan is updated every year during the board appointment process and is approved by the committee at the appointment meeting. Equal consideration is given to the general population distribution within the Southwest Tech district, as well as to the distribution of women and minorities. Consideration is also given to representatives of business and industry as required for employer and employee representatives. No two members of the Southwest Tech Board may be officials of the same governmental unit, nor may any Board member be a member of the school board that employs the school district administrator member. All applicants are eligible to apply and be considered for the additional member category.

The 2026 Appointment Process has concluded

On March 4, 2026, the following individuals were selected for membership on the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Board, subject to ratification by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board at its May 19, 2026, meeting:

  • Steve Williamson – Elected Official (At-Large), Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
  • Chris J. Prange – Additional Member (South), Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
  • Matthew Pennekamp – Additional Member (At-Large), Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029

The 2027 Appointment Process will begin in January 2027 to fill the following vacancies effective June 30, 2027:

  • Employer (South): 3-year term, expiring June 30, 2030
  • Employee (South): 3-year term, expiring June 30, 2030
  • School District Administrator: 3-year term, expiring June 30, 2030

More Information

Questions? Please contact Lori Needham at lneedham@swtc.edu or 608.822.2300.