ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” article. It is an editorial by the editor.
It is indeed an extremely rare occasion when I agree with faithful Townbroadcast commenters Don’t Tread on Me and John Wilkens. But we march as brothers in our admiration of Pat Velie, assistant superintendent for finance and operations at Wayland Union Schools.
Ms. Velie has done nothing less than an outstanding job in the four years she has taken the reign of the local school district’s finances, which just before COVID-19 reared its ugly head, boasted of a fund balance of nearly 16 percent. Furthermore, under her smart and principled stewardship, certain physical projects not thought possible and nearly abandoned three years ago, are happening. Most notable is the artificial turf and reworking of the surface of the Ron Stehouwer football stadium.
I have long told virtually everyone who will listen that the best public servants are those who get results. Talk, no matter how eloquent and inspiring, is cheap in the face of few accomplishments for the public good. Barack Obama did not pass that test. Pat Velie did.
So when it became public she was one the finalists for the superintendent’s post, I initially thought she would be impossible to top and I felt sorry for the other four candidates because I believed the interviews were just a formality before Velie was selected.
However, I knew nothing about Dr. Christina Hinds, assistant superintendent at Mattawan. I did not attend either of the final rounds of interviews because I was visiting my grandson in Colorado Springs.
It has become apparent that the school board members were very impressed with Hinds, who started her teaching career at Martin 20 years ago. Hinds also rose through the ranks at a school district (Mattawan) long known as one of the “Cadillacs” among public schools in quality.
When I learned that Hinds was the choice, at first I was disappointed, but my wife, a retired teacher at Wayland, immediately said her take was that it’s likely that Hinds’ experience in academics carried the day over Velie’s prowess in economic considerations.
Furthermore, my wife asserted that selecting Hinds assured the district expertise from both professional women in these dark days ahead as a result of the economic crash caused by COVID-19. The thinking may well be that Wayland sorely needs Velie where she is right now and will benefit greatly by a rising star in the education field — thus the proverbial “win-win.”
At any rate, welcome to Wayland, Dr. Hinds, and best of luck. With the challenges ahead, you’ll need it.
David, I know nothing about Ms. Hinds and she is obviously qualified or she wouldn’t have been a finalist to select. However, at a superintendent position you are in an administrative position and Must Know finances and make decisions based on financial status of the district.
I was told Ms. Hinds is lacking in that area based on her answers in the questioning.
We had a spendthrift in Ms. Swan and had the lowest reserves ever under her direction. I hope Ms. Hinds is not an Eivor Swan!
As for Ms. Velie, she is so qualified she has options with her qualifications and experience. Will she stay at Wayland? I hope so, but don’t be surprised if she looks elsewhere or is recruited by other schools or private/public entities desiring her abilities. She is a gem of a thinker, doer, and get it done ability.
My opinion is if the board president didn’t vote, she should be removed. She isn’t in that position to be a “shrinking violet”. Lead or get out of the way.
The School Board and City Council exhibit the same type of personalities that are not good for leadership of anything. Get it together or get out.
Ms. Hinds, congratulations on your selection and good luck in the future. With this school board, you’ll need it.
DTOM,
Very well said. Certainly Ms. Hinds will be given the chance. Why pass by someone PROVEN to only go after a unknown? This makes no sense.
Cheers!!
I am a huge fan and supporter of both Pat Velie and Teresa Fulk as administrators at WUS. I hope they continue to serve the district for many years. School boards are elected to make these decisions and they did their duty. From what I have seen they are diligent in doing what they believe is best.