Rachel Cimek, a fifth-grade teacher at Hopkins Elementary School, has been selected assistant principal for Dorr Elementary.

Cimek, who was introduced to the Wayland Board of Education Monday evening, succeeds Robin Senura, who was elevated to the principal’s post at the beginning of the year, succeeding Kevin Zaschak, who took a position with the Allegan Area Education Services Agency.

Cimek has been nominated for the Outstanding People of Education award for five of the past six years.

Her principal, Scott VanBonn., said, “…she is one of the finest individuals you will ever meet. She is one of the most caring teachers we have on our staff and her students adore her. Rachel Cimek is the true definition of a ‘Master Teacher.’ Even though she has only been in the classroom for six years, she has quickly become an amazing instructional leader.

“Rachel’s ability to establish positive relationships with all of her students leads to a tremendous amount of respect in her fifth grade classroom. This reciprocal respect in the classroom leads to a very academic rich environment and all of her students learn at high levels”

Mrs. Cimek said she has not yet begun duties at Wayland, but expects to get started soon.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the board:

• Agreed to place on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot a proposal to renew an 18.387-mill levy for non-homestead property. Director of Finance Patricia Velie said the action has no effect on any customary residential homeowners, but applies to business, industry and those who have second homes within the district.

“So it really changes nothing,” she said.

• Voted to replace a truck and a van, both of which are 10 years old. The 4×4 truck will cost $26,090, plus more than $6,000 for a plow, and the van for 10 passengers or fewer will cost $37,259 and will be used for debate, small bowling and cheer team members.
• Agreed to pay $22,318 for additional furniture at the high school.
• Heard from Baker Elementary teacher Lynn Donaldson, who said substitute teaching woes have eased at the secondary level, but persist at the elementaries.

“We need more incentives to get more people at the elementary levels,” she told the board.

• Noted that four school board positions will become vacant at the end of the school year, those of President Cinnamon Mellema, Janel Hott, Pete Zondervan and Dan Cassini.