While author Thomas Wolfe once famously wrote, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” Luxemburg-Casco High School Principal Tyson Tlachac has found that to be quite the opposite. Following 17 years as an educator in the southern part of Wisconsin, he returned to L-C for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, graduating his first class last week.

A 2003 graduate of LCHS, his parents, Rod and Claire, live within a mile of the school, and he has a host of family and childhood friends still living in the community where he was born and raised.

“Being back home around family – and the support system that comes with that – is awesome,” says Tlachac. “My wife (Katybeth) likes the small-town, community feel, and my daughters (Braelyn and Baileigh) have made some really great friends. They both love it when they see friends from school outside of school; very rarely did that happen where we lived previously.”

At the high school, Tlachac was happy with his initial year as its leader. He points to a change in Spartan Time, made in conjunction with staff, as a net positive.

“Overall, I’m proud of how the year went,” Tlachac says. “The change to Spartan Time allowed more time for teachers to work strategically with students. They were able to give additional help to struggling students, while at the same time provide enrichment opportunities for other students.”

Tlachac (pronounced “claw-hotch”) believes that there are four pillars to reach success in education: culture, communication, collaboration and accountability. Relationships are an important aspect of that, and that means being highly visible in the hallways and at school events.

“Luxemburg-Casco historically has had a good culture,” he says. “My presence with students, along with being available for staff, helps with culture. I have an open-door policy – my door is always open. You’ve got to be there, and you’ve got to be available.”

Utilizing what he calls “trust accelerators” on a daily basis, in practical terms this means coming together for collaboration to reach solutions. Tlachac points out that in 13 years as a school administrator, he never has been one to dictate actions solely based on his personal viewpoint.

“I would rather overcommunicate than not communicate enough,” Tlachac adds. “Communication also is key when it comes to accountability. If there is a problem or issue, we’re going to sit down and talk about it.”

Tlachac marvels at the amount of opportunities available for students today vs. during his time as an L-C student 20-plus years ago. From the ability to simultaneously earn high school and college credits, along with professional certifications and work experience through the youth apprenticeship program, possibilities abound.

“It’s unbelievable the amount of opportunities for students to be set up for success after they leave here,” he says. “Students are proud of all the college credits they earn during high school. Beyond their tuition savings, it allows them to find out what they like and don’t like. YA, which a large number of our students participate in, adds to that.”

Community support is what really makes Luxemburg-Casco High School, Tlachac believes.

“The people and businesses of our community are so supportive,” he says. “In other places, you don’t see companies step up – with opportunities for students and equipment donations – the way they do here. The community truly gets behind this school.”

The work of Tlachac is nowhere near done, though, and he looks ahead to the 2025-26 academic year.

“I operate under the philosophy that each year will be better than the next,” says Tlachac. “I would like to see continued improvement everywhere, along with more engagement in the classroom. It’s important that we continue to grow opportunities for students. The more we can help them get ahead now, it’s a win for them and for the school.”

And a win for the broader Luxemburg-Casco community, for sure.