At 8 Tuesday morning, Waterville Central School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Spring opened the 2022-23 New Professionals Academy with a story.
Spring told the 10 new staff members - part of the 17 hired for this year - and their mentors about her son’s friend, who rode her bike from Wyoming to Maine for her senior year of college, and had a deep desire to be a teacher.
Spring, who at the time was superintendent of another district, said she was impressed by the young woman’s passion for helping kids beyond academics.
In hiring the new faces joining the Waterville family, Spring said, she looked for that same enthusiasm and commitment.
Ten hours later, at the WCS Board of Education meeting, Spring assured the Board members the District had found the right people. She spoke of the positive environment the new hires and returning teachers have already created in the building, with students coming Tuesday, Sept. 6 to add to that.
WCS does have another position to fill after the Board accepted the resignation request of Transportation Supervisor Cynthia Snow as of Sept. 13. Spring said she has asked Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES to explore sharing a full-time person with another district.
Spring also reviewed this year’s Priorities and Action Steps as determined by the Board earlier this year.
Priority 1 is to address learning gaps and achievements for all students. Establishing the new recognized role of Teacher Leaders - who had orientation…