FeedsWayne-Westland trustee resigns
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Fred WeaverWayne-Westland schools will soon have a new leader as school board members scramble to replace Frederick Weaver who resigned during the Aug. 18 meeting.
During his seven years on the school board, Weaver has served three years as president of the board and one year as secretary.
“I just want to thank the residents for electing me two times,” said Weaver. “It’s been a pleasure to serve the citizens and I look forward to possibly doing so again in the future.”
He told board members on July 14 that he intended to stay active on the board for as long as possible despite that fact that his home was on the market. He attributed the challenging situation to a work transfer that meant he was commuting from Westland to Midland for the past 18 months.
Weaver, a pastor, said that he decided to step down now rather than after his home sold and his family relocates due to recent censure from some area residents who charged that he had allegedly a changed his address to a different community.
Although he said that the allegations “totally misconstrued” the situation, Weaver said that he opted to terminate his time on the board to prevent the matter from interfering with the business of the district.
“Since there seemed to be the starting of an outcry, I resigned so as not to disrupt the district—especially now, during negotiations,” he said.
With Weaver gone, Wayne-Westland Schools Superintendent Gregory Baracy said that the board would have tough act to follow.
“We’re going to miss Dr. Weaver,” said Baracy. “He has been a true asset to the district. He’s been very intensely focused on what’s good for the students in the district—he really did his homework. He’ll be greatly missed.”
School board trustee Ed Turner agreed.
“He’s done a fantastic job,” said Turner. “I have nothing but admiration for the job that he’s done.”
According to Baracy, board members have 30 days to fill the seat left vacant due to the resignation.
“There is a process the board will follow,” he said.
During his time on the board, Weaver made priorities of getting board members to take a more active role in going out to school events and in the implementation of community outreach programs, such as Project 180.
After the vacancy is posted this week, individuals who wish to seek the position are asked to send letters of intent to the board office. The remaining members of the board will review the applications and, if appropriate, interview and screen applicants. The final decision will take place when board members vote to appoint someone during a regular meeting.
Whomever is appointed to the seat will serve on the board until the school election in May. At that point, all individuals interested in joining the board will have the opportunity to seek election for a four-year term.
