Algonquin Middle School's loss will be Mohawk Elementary's gain when Christopher Gardner leaves his assistant principal post to become principal at Mohawk for the 2011-12 school year.

The Chippewa Valley Schools Board of Education is expected to approve Gardner's appointment at its Aug. 1 meeting.

Gardner replaces Geri Marturano, who retired this June after 21 years in the district, the last eight spent as the principal of Mohawk Elementary.

Under Marturano's direction, Mohawk was the first Chippewa Valley school to undergo and earn the highest level of accreditation for the NCA Quality Assurance Review. 

Marturano, who described her time in Chippewa as "wonderful" and "interesting," is planning to spend her retirement relaxing and traveling with her husband, Matt.

"It's been over 20 years that I've been able to work in the district and I want to be able to thank you for that opportunity," she said at her retirement recognition in June. "I love working with the kids. I think we have the best staff in the world, parents, community members, and I don't know any other place that would let me come in with open arms and let me do all I did."