Goodbye Richard, we will miss you

Last week, Richard Weigel, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Quality for Ypsilanti Public Schools, was offered the Superintendent job at Niles Public Schools in Niles, MI. Although I'm happy for Richard, his departure marks a sad day for Ypsilanti. Richard was one of the most dedicated, motivated and talented school administrators I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Although he was given the monumental task of fixing a troubled curriculum department when he was first hired, he successfully accomplished that goal and much, much more during his tenure here. I believe that over the last several years, he has been the administrator who made the single largest contribution to the Ypsi Public Schools, though Richard would be far too modest to ever let anyone say such a thing in his presence. A short time ago, when Superintendent Dr. James Hawkins retired, Richard applied to be Superintendent of YPS. Unfortunately, our district failed to offer him the promotion he rightly deserved. I advocated for his advancement, in no small part because I knew that if we failed to offer him our top job, another district would be more than pleased to hire him away. Last week, that day came. Richard was praised high and low for his accomplishments here in Ypsilanti. According to the Niles Star, the Vice President of the Niles teacher association said: I’m sad to report I looked high and low, talked to teachers, para-pros, secretaries, and could not find one ounce of dirt on Mr. Weigel. The board would be very foolish not to offer Mr. Weigel a contract. He’s transparent, communicative and collaborative. A principal from the Niles district added: He’s a real go-getter and not afraid to cut programs that aren’t effective. I see his vision fitting with our district’s vision very nicely. I see him continuing what we’re doing and polishing up a few things. Our loss will be Niles' gain. I wish Richard all the best in the next step of his career, and I thank him for his service to our district.