Meet the Principals
Steve Knecht
- Email: sknecht@kusd.edu
- Phone: 262-359-2203
- Bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of Arts from Carthage College
- Master’s degree: Masters of Science – Education Administration from Concordia University – Wisconsin
- Began career in education: 1997
Career highlights
As athletic director at Bradford High School, I was part of 5 state championships and led the rebranding of Bradford High School. As District Coordinator of Athletics, PE, Health, and Recreation, helped lead a referendum to improve all outdoor athletic facilities in KUSD. As Tremper principal, moving our state report card to “Meets Expectations” for the first time since it’s existence. Overall, my biggest highlight is seeing so many of my former student be successful in Kenosha and beyond.
Hobbies
Love to golf, bocce enthusiast, avid/unreasonable Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs Fan!
Favorite school subjects
Physical Education, English, Leadership
What I love most about Tremper
What I love most about Tremper High School is the people. We have a diverse student body of learners, our staff is passionate about educating students, and our alumni are full of pride. People are the business of education…from the students to their families and other support systems. We have great people wearing Blue and Red and I am proud of that!
Favorite quote or mantra
“Behave like a duck – keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath.” – Jacob M. Braude
Favorite sports team
Chicago Bears
Cliff Johnson
- Email: cwjohnso@kusd.edu
- Phone: 262-359-2214
- Bachelor’s degree: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and National Louis University
- Master’s degree: National Louis University
- Began career in education: 2001
Career highlights
I’ve had amazing experiences chaperoning multiple trips to Quebec City and Washington DC as a trip leader. I’ve also had the unique pleasure of working alongside my talented wife who teaches French (hence the Quebec trips). I was especially honored to be acknowledged as a KUSD Distinguished Service Award winner. I work beside the some of the most amazing people in the world and have (in my opinion) the best team around me. I do what I love and love what I do.
Hobbies
Favorite school subjects
History and Math.
What I love most about Tremper
Literally everything. My wife works here and my daughters are 2023 Tremper Graduates and are excelling at College and life mostly due to the amazing educators they’ve had in KUSD.
Favorite quote or mantra
“Be Curious, Not Judgmental” also “Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try”
Favorite sports team
Chicago Bears (thanks a lot Dad, you could have raised me differently)
Lauren Johnson
- Email: lnjohnso@kusd.edu
- Phone: 262-359-2209
- Bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education
- Master’s degree: Bachelor of Science Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction
- Began career in education: 2009
Career highlights
As a teacher, there was nothing better than seeing a student have something your were teaching them click and their face as that happened. As an administrator, the growth we have seen at Tremper on our state report card. This is the third year in a row that we are the top performing comprehensive high school and second time in three years we have been named Kenosha’s Best High School.
Hobbies
I love listening to any music that has a good beat, dancing, and being with my family and friends, specifically my son
Favorite school subjects
It was more about my favorite teachers than the subject 🙂
What I love most about Tremper
What I love most about Tremper is the hometown culture and school spirit! Being a Tremper alumni myself, it is my honor to serve as one of the leaders here.
Favorite quote or mantra
“Everything happens for a reason” – Marilyn Monroe
Favorite sports team
All things Wisconsin
Brian Kielar
- Email: bkielar@kusd.edu
- Phone: 262-359-2200
- Bachelor’s degree: University of Illinois at Chicago – History Education
- Master’s degree: National Louis University – M.Ed.
- Began career in education: 2003
Career highlights
Working with a team to earn a Blue Ribbon in 2019.
Hobbies
Traveling, Golf, and Eating
Favorite school subjects
Sociology and Engineering
What I love most about Tremper
The team here at Tremper. All are rowing together to achieve the same goal.
Favorite quote or mantra
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
Favorite sports team
Chicago Blackhawks