University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni Kathleen (Finley) Lemberger ’81, and Janice (Bombinski) Zuege ’81, have been named 2009 Wisconsin Principals of the Year.

The two were among four Wisconsin principals honored by Elizabeth Burmaster, state superintendent of public instruction, and Jim Lynch, executive director for the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, for contributing to student academic achievement and a positive school climate through their strong educational leadership.

In her eighth year as principal, Lemberger’s leadership has led to success at Washington Junior High School in Manitowoc. A three-time recipient of the New Wisconsin Promise School of Recognition award, the rural school has seen an increase in student achievement and student attendance and a reduction in out-of-school suspensions with Lemberger at the helm.

Lemberger has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW Oshkosh and a master’s degree from UW-La Crosse.

Zuege has served as an assistant principal at Hortonville Middle School and Hortonville Elementary School for 13 years. She is responsible for scheduling students and training staff members on the use of technology.

In addition to an electronic grade book and parent portal, Zuege has supported staff use of wikis, blogs, GPS units and Smart Boards. As part of a strategic planning group, she facilitated the development of a multi-tiered district communication plan.

Zuege earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UW Oshkosh and a master’s degree in educational administration from UW-Madison.

Ryan Champeau of North High School in Waukesha and Bobbie Schmidt of Richmond Elementary School in Appleton also were honored.