Silver Lake J1 School District

Silver Lake, WI — November 3, 2025 — The Silver Lake J1 School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris R. Trottier as its new District Administrator, effective November 5, 2025. Mr. Trottier brings more than two decades of educational leadership, innovation, and community partnership experience to the district.

Mr. Trottier joins Silver Lake J1 from the Elkhorn Area School District, where he most recently served as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special EducationTransition Coordinator for the Elkhorn Area School District. Previously, he led Elkhorn Area High School as principal for seven years and served in multiple administrative and instructional leadership roles across southeastern Wisconsin. His experience spans comprehensive K–12 leadership, instructional improvement, strategic planning, school finance, and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Mr. Trottier has demonstrated a commitment to fostering student success through collaboration, innovation, high expectations. Under his leadership, Elkhorn Area High School became a nationally recognized AVID Demonstration School, and the district achieved Project Lead the Way Distinguished District status by expanding STEM opportunities across all grade levels. His data-informed leadership helped raise academic performance, expand college and career pathways, and strengthen partnerships with local employers and higher education institutions.

Among his numerous honors, Mr. Trottier received the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Leadership Award (2020), led schools recognized by NC3 for industry certifications, and helped secure multiple successful capital referendums to enhance learning environments. He has also been an active contributor to state and national education initiatives, including the WASDA Redefining Ready Committee and the PLTW State Leadership Team.

“I am honored to join the Silver Lake J1 School District and continue the important work of supporting students, staff, and the community,” said Mr. Trottier. “Together, we will build on the district’s strong foundation to ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences and future-ready opportunities.”

Mr. Trottier holds a Superintendent Certification from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from National Louis University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. He is also certified as a Director of Instruction, Director of Special Education/Pupil Services, Business Manager, and Principal.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Trottier is deeply involved in his community, serving on boards and committees with organizations such as VIP Services, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Walworth County, and the Elkhorn Rotary Club, where he has supported numerous service initiatives.

Finally, he is excited to return to the school district where he graduated in 1987, and there is nothing more important to Chris than his amazing family, which includes Mary, (wife), Lauren (daughter), Ella (daughter), and Cal (son). In their free-time, they love traveling, attending concerts, traveling to see Lauren pitch for UW-Eau Claire, and spending time together.