School Leadership

MaiKou Heu serves as the Principal of Johnston Elementary and the Hmong American Immersion School (HAIS), bringing nearly two decades of experience in education and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments where every child is known, valued, and supported. As a school leader, MaiKou believes relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning and school success, and she leads with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast belief that every student can learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

MaiKou’s passion for education is rooted in her own personal journey. She and her family migrated to the United States when she was two years old and made Appleton, Wisconsin, their home shortly after arriving. Growing up in the Appleton community, some of her fondest childhood memories include family trips to Bay Beach and Erb Park, as well as enjoying the carnivals, games, and community activities at Pierce Park.

As a student, MaiKou experienced firsthand the challenges of being a dual language learner during a time when schools were still developing their understanding and practices for supporting English learners. Those experiences shaped her belief that every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging, have access to meaningful learning opportunities, and receive the support needed to succeed. Her personal experiences became the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advocating for students and families and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to see themselves as a valued member of their school community.

MaiKou earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Human Services with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She later earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Master’s Degree in Administration, Curriculum Development, and Special Education/Pupil Services from National-Louis University.

Throughout her career, MaiKou has gained extensive experience supporting students, families, and communities both within and outside of public education. Her professional experiences include providing individual and family counseling services, youth development, career development, teaching counseling-related graduate courses, and serving in multiple educational leadership roles. These experiences have strengthened her belief that understanding the whole child and building strong relationships are essential foundations for student success.

MaiKou began her service in the Appleton Area School District in 2005 as a School Counselor at Highlands Elementary. During her time in AASD, she has also served as Dean of Students at Dunlap (Lincoln) Elementary, Summer School Coordinator at Foster Elementary, Associate Principal of Huntley Elementary, and AASD School Counseling Program Support before being named Principal of Johnston Elementary beginning with the 2018–2019 school year.

With more than a decade of experience in educational leadership, MaiKou has built a reputation for compassionate leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Her leadership approach is grounded in the belief that every student deserves access to high-quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to experience success regardless of ability, background, or learning needs.

At Johnston Elementary and HAIS, MaiKou works to create a culture where excellence and belonging go hand in hand. She is a strong advocate for inclusive practices and equitable opportunities for all learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, and students with diverse learning needs. She believes inclusion means more than access; it means ensuring every student is a valued and contributing member of the school community. Through collaboration among general education, special education, English learner services, intervention teams, and support staff, MaiKou works to remove barriers and ensure students receive the services, supports, and opportunities needed to thrive.

MaiKou believes holding high expectations for all students is an essential part of equitable education. She supports educators in strengthening instructional practices, using data to inform decisions, identifying student strengths, and designing responsive learning experiences that help all students make meaningful progress. She believes schools are strongest when educators feel empowered, students feel a sense of belonging, and families are valued as essential partners in the educational journey.

A significant part of MaiKou’s leadership has been guiding the development of the Hmong American Immersion School as part of the vision of “Two Schools, One Community.” Through this partnership, she is honored to help create a learning environment that celebrates culture, honors student identities, and strengthens connections among students, families, and educators while maintaining a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and student success.

MaiKou is passionate about equity, student advocacy, and creating opportunities for every learner to succeed. She leads with empathy, purpose, and a commitment to empowering others. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that students rise to the expectations we set and the support we provide, and that collective efforts among educators, families, and communities create lasting impact.

MaiKou lives in Neenah with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, fishing, camping, and watching Korean television series. She continues to be inspired by the students, families, and educators she serves and remains committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to discover their strengths, achieve success, and know they belong.

Dr. Thai Xiong was born in the Ban Nam Yao refugee camp in northern Thailand and came to Appleton, WI with his parents and siblings as refugees of the Vietnam War during the winter of 1989 when he was 5 years old.

Thai’s educational journey started in the Appleton Area School District (AASD) as a kindergarten student at Jefferson Elementary then transitioned to Wilson Middle School and graduated from Appleton West High School in 2003.

His education includes a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Marquette University, two Masters in Education from Alverno College and both a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) and Philosophy of Doctorate in Education (Ph.D) from Walden University. Thai has worked as a Forensic Scientist for the Wisconsin Crime Lab, middle and high school science teacher, instructional coach, football head coach, high school associate principal, elementary associate principal, high school athletic director, and middle school principal. For the last six years, Dr. Xiong served as the Director of Math, Science, Health Education and Physical Education for the Appleton Area School District (AASD).

Currently, Dr. Xiong is the Impact Director for the new charter school in the AASD called the Hmong American Immersion School. He is also a co-founder of the charter school.

Other than his educational leadership experiences, his nonprofit experiences included service leadership within the Hmong community. Dr. Xiong has served as President of the Northeast Wisconsin Hmong Professionals from 2019 to 2021. He has served as a school board member for Tesla Engineering Charter School from 2018 to 2024. Currently, Dr. Thai Xiong serves as the President of the United Hmong American Association (UHAA) and has been a board member since 2018. In his work with UHAA, he chairs the UHAA Scholarship Fund, writes grants to seek for program funding, and establishes a partnership with the Appleton Area School District and the NEW Hmong Professionals to provide academic and mentoring support for Hmong students under the UHAA Academic Support Achievement Program.

Dr. Xiong has secured over $264,000 in grants to fund UHAA’s program and has awarded over $78,000 in scholarship for Hmong students pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees since 2021. Dr. Xiong’s leadership with his community has earned UHAA the recipient of the 2021 Madison 365 Wisconsin Leadership Nonprofit Organization of the Year and he was named one of Insight Magazine’s 40 under 40 Leaders in the New North Region in 2023.

Dr. Xiong is happily married to his high school sweetheart and beautiful amazing wife Poyee who is the principal of the largest middle school in Appleton, James Madison Middle School. Their daughter Jailia is a senior at Appleton North and enjoys dancing and cheering on the Cheer and Performance team. Their son Jalen is a sophomore at Appleton North and enjoys playing JV Football and running sprints and relay for the Track team. Together, they enjoy family time such as camping, fishing, kayaking, and traveling to try new food and adventures.