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Ypsilanti Schools accept transportation consolidation
By Adrienne Ziegler
Jun. 8, 2010   ·   3:07 p.m.

Connie Shelton, an East Middle School Teacher, speaks against the WISD transportation consolidation plan at Monday's special meeting of the Ypsilanti Board of Education. The board approved the motion to join the consolidation by a vote of 5 to 2.

"Shame on you" echoed through the audience Monday night after the Ypsilanti Public Schools Board of Education approved a plan to join a countywide consolidated...read more

Willow Run appoints new board member
By Adrienne Ziegler
Jun. 5, 2010   ·   8:16 a.m.

The Willow Run School Board looks on as Kristine Thomas, a district parent and previous board member, is sworn in as trustee on Thursday night. Thomas will take the position of Joi Jenson who resigned in early May.

The Willow Run School Board appointed a new, yet familiar trustee to the board of education during their regular meeting Thursday night.

Kristine Thomas, a Willow...read more

Willow Run approves county-wide transportation plan
By Adrienne Ziegler
May. 27, 2010   ·   2:09 p.m.

The Willow Run School District signed on to a countywide consolidated transportation plan at their regular board meeting last week.

The plan aims to save transportation...read more

Lincoln offers summer courses to area high-schoolers
By Mark Tower
May. 26, 2010   ·   7:49 p.m.

Students from Lincoln and other nearby districts are being invited to participate in Lincoln High School's Summer Academy this year, registration for which opened...read more

Willow Run terminates student services administrator
By Adrienne Ziegler
May. 26, 2010   ·   12:26 a.m.

Willow Run School Board President Sheri Washington said she didn't know if the district was going to press charges against former Student Services Administrator Laconda Hicks after the board fired Hicks during a special meeting Tuesday night.

The Willow Run Board of Education unanimously voted to terminate its contract with former Student Services Administrator Laconda Hicks Tuesday night during a special...read more

YPS finishes superintendent interviews

Dedrick D. Martin, executive director of equity and achievement for the Champaign, Ill. Unit Four Schools, wrapped up superintendent interviews Thursday evening. Photo by James Cavanaugh

Dedrick D. Martin, executive director of equity and achievement for the Champaign, Ill. Unit Four Schools, wrapped up superintendent interviews Thursday evening.
Dr. Kimberly A. Rice DDS

Contract expected to be offered April 27

By James Cavanaugh
Apr. 17, 2009    ·    4:12 p.m.


The Ypsilanti School Board wrapped up its superintendent interviews Thursday night, speaking with Richard A. Weigel and Dedrick D. Martin.

Weigel, who is currently assistant superintendent for Ypsilanti Public Schools, served in administrative roles in the Pinckney and Mason Consolidate School districts before coming to YPS in 2005.

Despite his experience in the district, Weigel told the board he would work hard to reintroduce himself to the community and increase communications.

“I believe that even though a lot of people in the community know me, I have to start all over again,” Weigel said. “I have to earn where I am and what I do.”

Discussing items he’d like to see implemented, Weigel told the board that he’d like to see an accountability system implemented in Ypsilanti schools.

“Accountability is not a bad word,” Weigel said. “It’s a good word.”

He also told the board that he’d like to continue working on and improving the curriculum.

“A great curriculum never finishes,” Weigel said.

“Teaching is more than just delivering information, it’s having kids engaged in the learning process,” he added.

Weigel noted that one issue continuing in the district is the academic success between those students doing well and others who are not. He said that although an achievement gap is shrinking, it still exists.

“Part of understanding a diverse culture is understanding that what we have to do is reach all children,” Weigel said.

Following Weigel’s interview, the board met with Dedrick D. Martin, a Muskegon native and executive director of equity and achievement for the Champaign, Ill. Unit Four Schools. Before taking on his current position, Martin served in administrative roles in Missouri City, Texas.

Martin told the board he had a policy of open communication and appreciated input from all those involved in a decision.

“I like to be as collaborative as possible, when possible,” Martin said.

If hired, Martin told the board he’d setup a 100 day plan and meet with city officials, school staff members and faculty. He said he’d immerse himself in the culture of the district and the community.

“I have a young family and we like to get out, get around, and be active,” Martin said.

Martin added that he would use data along with the newest research to help improve Ypsilanti schools, however, he did have a word of caution about the latest academic trends.

“Just because something’s out there and it’s the new hot thing, doesn’t mean it’s going to work in our district,” Martin said, adding that he doesn’t like to change just for change’s sake.

The new superintendent will replace Dr. James Hawkins, who has served since 2005, following the departure of David Zuhlke.

The board is scheduled to deliberate next week and may bring back candidates for second interviews. According to the published timeline, a contract is expected to be offered April 27. The new superintendent is scheduled to begin work in July.

Related Stories:

Ypsi Schools' superintendent interviews begin

Ypsilanti superintendent interviews continue



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