Superintendent Michael Bolsoni is proud to announce the selection of Adam Wattenbarger as District 196 General Counsel, effective Jan. 5, 2026, pending Board approval. Wattenbarger, who has served as the district’s deputy general counsel since May 2023, will succeed Jill Coyle, who announced her intent to retire in October after serving in the role for 26 years.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve our community and be a resource for school leaders and the school board,” Wattenbarger said. “With a background in education, I went to law school hoping to continue to work with public schools. Being in District 196, working with great people, and learning from the legendary Jill Coyle, it’s been a goal of mine to become the district’s General Counsel. I’m honored to be selected to take on this role. I hope people will find me to be kind, collaborative, and proactive in advancing our mission and values.”

“Adam will bring an exceptional academic and professional foundation to his new role,” said Superintendent Michael Bolsoni. “He is a humble servant leader and problem-solver. Before joining District 196, he was an attorney at the respected law firm of Kennedy & Graven, where he was promoted to shareholder [partner] within their educational practice. He has gained a broad base of experience and developed respected relationships with administrators across the district. He brings objectivity, ensuring all parties have an opportunity to be heard before presenting well-researched recommendations. He is highly qualified and well-prepared for this role.”

Wattenbarger holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and briefly taught in Nebraska before starting law school. At the University of Minnesota School of Law, he served as a research assistant and a member of the Law Review; he graduated magna cum laude. Following law school, he clerked for Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea. He joined the law firm of Kennedy & Graven, where he provided legal counsel to school districts throughout Minnesota. He has experience in a wide range of legal areas, including labor and employment, special education, student discipline, elections, data practices, and contract negotiations. He is a resident of District 196.