Personal Bio

Dr. Mark Pienkos was born in Chicago.   His parents were Stella and Edward who worked in factories to support their family of three boys.   Mark’s mother only attended school through the 8^th grade, while his father went to one year of high school.  Mark’s oldest brother, Don, is a professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his other brother, Edward, is a surgeon specializing in urology. 

Mark is married to Ann and they have three children (Michelle, age 28; Karen, 24; and Stephen, 23).  Ann and Mark recently celebrated their 36^th wedding anniversary.

Pienkos attended St. Laurence, a Christian Brothers of Ireland high school located in Oak Lawn, Illinois.  He received his B.S.Ed. (History, ‘72) and M.S.Ed. (Guidance & Counseling, ‘74) from Northern Illinois University.  In 1989, Mark earned his Specialist Certificate in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  In 1993, Mark earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California specializing in Educational Leadership.  His doctoral dissertation focused on the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

Mark’s educational career includes: teacher/principal at St. James Elementary School in Mukwonago; teacher/career education coordinator/counselor for the Oak Creek Schools; school counselor for Peshtigo High School; school counselor for Wauwatosa West High School; associate principal at Wauwatosa East High School, principal at Badger High School; superintendent/principal for the Fontana Joint 8 Elementary School District, principal for The Villages Charter Middle School in Florida; and currently serves as superintendent/principal for the Washington-Caldwell School District.

Dr. Pienkos also is an adjunct professor for Aurora University where he has taught graduate courses in the areas of leadership and school-community relations.  While in Florida, Mark taught a teacher certification course for Lake-Sumter Community College.

Mark loves sports, especially baseball.  Being from the southside of Chicago, he is a big White Sox fan.  As a graduate of the University of Southern California, Mark is passionate about the Trojans football team.  Mark also loves to read, travel, and be involved in politics.  Finally, he is a people person who has devoted his career to helping “kids of all ages” succeed.   

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