Hays Post
Update: The Hays USD 489 school board extended a two-year contract offer to Herington Superintendent Ron Wilson to become the new superintendent.
Wilson accepted the contract, and the school board voted Monday night to unanimously approve the contract with Wilson.
The district interviewed four candidates for the position. They also included Keith Hall, Hays interim director of finance; Jamie Wetig, Ashland superintendent; and Mike Gower, Logan and Philipsburg superintendent.
“Ron comes in with a really great attitude, a very positive, uplifting attitude,” Board President Mandy Fox said. “He has culture on the forefront. He really wants to build that culture for this district. He referred back each time to the same phrases, ‘We are here for the kids, ‘Is that is what is best for the kids?’
“I think he is going to work hard to instill that culture, not only to staff, but administrators and with the kids even. I think his focus is to bring everyone together and to bring some new ideas to what we are doing now with the board too.”
Wilson in his last two years in Herington has engaged in interest based bargaining with teachers. The board at one time used IBB, but has moved away from it in recent years. Board member Paul Adams recently suggested the board move back to IBB.
“I think he is excited to come,” Fox said. “I think his wife is really excited to come. They were very energetic when I made the offer, and we look forward to having them this July.”
Wilson will take over as the superintendent in Hays on July 1.
Current Hays Superintendent John Thissen will serve out the remainder of his contract, which runs through June 30.
Thissen resigned in October, citing personal reasons.
Adams said he thought Wilson was a very good candidate.
“I think his personality and his inclusiveness in bringing the teachers into his vision and building a culture is going to be very important for us as we are moving forward.”
Adams said he also thought Wilson’s desire to work with the board to find efficiencies is important.
Board member Mike Walker said of the four candidates, Wilson seemed to exhibit the most energy and be the most positive.
“I think that will be a good thing for our district—to have a real go-getter,” Walker said.
——-
The Hays USD 489 school board in its final agenda for Monday’s meeting will vote to extend a two-year superintendent contract to the Herington Superintendent Ron Wilson.
Wilson has been the superintendent in Herington for two years.
He will take over as the superintendent in Hays on July 1.
Current Hays Superintendent John Thissen will serve out the remainder of his contract, which runs through June 30.
Thissen resigned in October, citing personal reasons.
Watch the Hays Post for more on this story as it becomes available.