New Hays USD 489 superintendent reports on first day on job

New USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson at the school board meeting Monday night.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

New Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson’s first day in his new job was Monday, and he told the school board Monday night he will seek to be visible in the district and build relationships.

Wilson was selected as the new superintendent in February to replace John Thissen, who resigned citing personal reasons. Wilson comes to Hays after serving as the superintendent at Herrington.

“I think what I will be doing this month and going past this month is doing a lot of listening, a lot of learning and then I will be able to do some leading,” Wilson said.

He said he will be sending invitations to meet with each board member one-on-one.

Wilson said he had four things he will strive to do.

“The first one is that I am going to be visible. I am going to be around the district. I am going to ask at times to visit with you, ” he said referring to the board. “I also want to build relationships with all our stakeholders in our district.

“I am also interested in maintaining the culture and building a positive culture in this district. I think the last thing that is required, but is probably the most important, is that I have to manage people and manage this district.”

He said he hoped to add to the great work the board is doing with his work on the ground.

Board reorganization

Mike Walker, left, was elected Hays USD 489 board president and Lance Bickle, right, was elected board vice president at the school board meeting Monday night.

The board also conducted its annual reorganization. Mike Walker was elected board president. Lance Bickle was elected board vice president, and Jess Reling was appointed board clerk. Reling is taking over for Sarah Wasinger, who is leaving the district to become the new president/CEO of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

In other business, the board:

• Approved student handbook changes.

• Approved a new contract will Bill Jeter to serve as the board attorney.

• Approved DFAC board policy updates. These are necessary for Early Childhood Connections to apply for grants.

• Discussed a contract with USD 407 Russell for gifted services. Under the agreement, USD 489 would receive a portion of the Russell students’ state funding to provide the services. The addition of the new students would not require the special education co-op to add any more staff, but would bring in more revenue for the co-op, co-op director Chris Hipp told the school board.