First Posted: 5/13/2014
Parents of Wycallis Elementary School students voiced concerns regarding the loss of principal Paul Reinhert as he moves to the position of Middle School principal.
Reinhert, addressing attendees, said the district was a “team,” and that as part of a team, he is changing positions. He encouraged attendees to be positive in their remarks and respectful to staff and administration.
Parent Mary Mansfield, with two children in first and third grades, addressed the board, saying, “Mr. Reinhert greets children daily and seems to know everyone. Education of elementary students is his passion.”
Melissa Chamberlain was concerned Reinhert’s exit will negatively impact the behavior of students. She said Reinhert had worked hard to reinforce improvements made during his tenure as principal.
Parent Karim Letwinsky said, as the parent of a special needs child, she was concerned the balance achieved at the school would fail.
“I believe that excellence is being dismantled,” said Letwinskiy.
Reinhert’s transition from his position was necessitated by Thomas Duffy leaving his position as Middle School principal to accept a position as assistant to Superintendent Frank Galicki, in anticipation of Galicki’s impending retirement.
Reinhert’s present duties as principal at Wycallis will be assumed by Tom Traver, principal at Dallas Elementary School, who will head both district elementary schools.
A petition presented to the board contained 247 parent signatures in opposition to Reinhert’s exit from his position as principal at Wycallis.
Many teachers also were in attendance at the meeting and opposed the move.
Galicki said such decisions are never easy and not necessarily unanimous.
In another matter, the board approved a plan of action for the construction of an athletic field to serve several district athletic teams, including state-contracted pricing estimates and vendors for the project.
The board also recognized students who had recently participated in the national LifeSmarts national finals in Orlando Florida.
The competition tests areas of practical information, including technology, health, consumer information and finance.
Senior Decklan Cerza received the title of “Student of the Year” during the competition and also served as team co-captain.
Kevin West, advisor of the team, lauded participating students for hard work and careful preparation.
The students were presented with certificates of excellence from the offices of State Representative Karen Boback.
In another matter, Joe Leonard, president of the Dallas Aquatic Club, said, although the club substantially contributes to the district in return for use of the pool, the pool had recently been unavailable without any explanation.
President Larry Schuler said the board is in the process of replacing Fred Parry who recently passed away. A moment of silence was observed for Parry who was a long time and outspoken member of the board.
The next meeting of the Dallas School Board will take place at 7 p.m. on June 9.
