Jason Widiker - Principal

Jason is entering his 25th year in education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from UW-Whitewater in 1994. He has taught middle school Geography in Las Vegas and high school History and Physical Education in Milwaukee.  Jason earned his Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 1998, and has since earned his Director of Instruction license from Edgewood in 2017. Additionally, Jason has coached basketball throughout his career in education.

Before becoming a Riverside Middle School Panther, Jason served as an an Associate Principal in Sun Prairie for fourteen years, and more recently served as the Education Director in Milwaukee for the past three years.

In his free time, Jason loves being active.  With his wife Tracy and his daughters, Anna and Abbey, they enjoy hiking, fishing and traveling.  Jason is his daughter's #1 fan while watching them compete in Track and Field and Swimming. He is excited to begin his journey as a member of the Watertown educational community.

Nick Ryan - Assistant Principal

Nick, a Watertown native, is returning home after three years of serving as an administrator in North Eastern Wyoming. Prior to moving west, Nick taught at Riverside Middle School as an ELA and Math teacher.

Nick is a graduate of Watertown High School, and after graduation attended UW-La Crosse where he majored in Middle Childhood Early Adolescence Education,  with minors in both Spanish and Political Science. Furthermore, Nick earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2015.

Prior to coming to Watertown, Nick began his teaching career in the Oconomowoc Area School District. He has coached Varsity Wrestling and Football, as well as Middle School Track and Field. Nick has also served in a variety of community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bread and Roses and Special Olympics.

Nick enjoys spending time with his family, friends and Chocolate Lab (Remi). He also enjoys Badger athletics, hunting, fishing and kayaking. Nick is beyond excited to be back in his hometown and cannot wait to serve students, staff and the community of Watertown.