Mike Omness, who has been assistant principal at Wayland High School for the past two years, is moving to Pine Street Elementary next fall to serve under Robyn Robinson.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and eager to assist in the exciting transitions taking place in our district,” Omness said.

Superintendent Norman Taylor said, “Mrs. Robinson and Mr. Omness should make a dynamic administrative team for our transitions at Pine Street Elementary next year.”

Robinson only this month was elevated to the principalship, succeeding the retiring Jennifer Moushegian.

Omness, a Wayland High School graduate and son of longtime Wildcat football coach Gerald Omness, came to Wayland to teach social studies in 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1992 and his master’s degree from WMU in 2002.

He also has been an assistant football coach and took over the girls’ bowling team for the past two seasons to help keep the program going.

He previously taught social studies for 17 years, seven at Wayland High School. He lives in Wayland with his wife, Dana, and four children, Jake, Abby, Tyler and Emily. Jake and Abby now are WHS graduates.

“Wayland and its schools have been a fantastic place for us to raise and grow our family,” he added.  I really enjoy working at the school, the staff, students, and community are second to none.”

The now vacant assistant high school principal’s job is being posted.