By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The Wynford Board of Education didn’t take long in hiring the replacement of Elementary Principal Leah Filliater. Board members approved her replacement at the same time that they accepted her resignation.
Nelle Nutter was unanimously approved as the new principal Monday night. Nutter, who was signed to a five-year contract, has 14 years teaching experience to go along with two years of experience as Mohawk’s elementary principal.
“Of the different opportunities that I had this process was the most well planned, was the most intense, and I enjoyed it the most. It felt like home,” Nutter said.
Superintendent Steve Mohr explained how the school was able to do a quick turnaround in finding Filliater’s replacement.
“We acted very quickly. We knew we were going to have an opening, and we thought it was important for the education process to have someone hired,” Mohr said. “But more importantly than how quickly it happened is how thrilled I am to get a person with Nelle Nutter’s background, experiences and skills. I think some great things are going on at Wynford Elementary, and I think those things are just going to continue.”
Along with the resignation of Filliater and the hiring of Nutter the Board of Education also approved the resignation of high school physical education teacher and boys’ varsity basketball head coach Mark Delaney effective May 28. Also approved were the hiring of Jamee Burke (high school intervention specialist), Malorie Heinlen (kindergarten teacher), and Zachary Burns (second grade teacher.)
Wynford Treasurer Leesa Smith gave her updated five-year forecast to the board. While presenting her forecast, Smith delivered a few highlights.
“I am happy to note that carryovers will increase each year minus the fiscal year 2015,” Smith noted. “A good point is despite having $128,000 in expenditures over revenue, but in 2016, 2017, 2018 we are expected to have revenue over expenditures. (The year) 2019 shows that revenues will be under expenditures; however that will also be the year we will be up for levy renewal.”
Both Smith and Mohr thanked the voters for approving the renewal levies two weeks ago in the May primaries.
Elementary teachers, as well as School Psychologist Sarah Maurizi delivered a presentation on Project MORE. During the presentation the staff members noted that the one-on-one mentoring has helped students increase their reading levels. During the presentation eighth graders, who act as mentors in the Project MORE program, explained to the board what they liked most about the program.
The board approved all operational items on the agenda during Monday night’s meeting. Among items approved were a letter of agreement with Sodexo, and keeping the lunch and breakfast prices the same for the 2015-2016 school year as they were for the 2014-2015 school year.