Summer break for Weatherford Public Schools begins today and principals have said their goodbyes — some for the summer while others are moving on to new positions.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant the school year looked a little different, but administration, staff and faculty all worked hard to ensure students were able to remain in classrooms as much as possible.
“It has been a great year,” Burcham Elementary Principal Brooke Brown said. “We are blessed to live in a community which supports the school system. I hope everyone has a summer full of fun.”
Brown just completed her second school year with the district, both touched by the COVID-19 pandemic.
East Elementary Principal Brad Howl expressed his thanks to the students and their parents throughout a difficult school year.
“We are very proud we were able to keep the doors open the entire year. Our students were able to attend, be with their friends and have a good meal each day,” Howl said “The parents were very kind when we had to quarantine their children. Overall, it was a great community effort and success.”
Weatherford High School Principal Garrett Smith said his staff and faculty appreciated everyone being flexible and helping students remain in school.
“We hope to return to some normalcy next year,” Smith said. “We also would like to thank the Weatherford community for all of their support in everything we do. Enjoy your summer. It always is great to be an Eagle.”
Weatherford Middle School Principal Doug
Weatherford Middle School Principal Doug Gunselman and West Elementary Principal Robyn Randol will not be returning to those roles for the 2021-22 school year.
Gunselman has taken the position of curriculum director for WPS. Randol has taken a new role as elementary education director and a professor at SWOSU.
“I want to thank all the parents, students, teachers and staff for helping make this school year a success despite a global pandemic,” Gunselman said. “We couldn’t have had a successful year without everyone working together.”
Gunselman has been at WMS for the past 6 years and said he wants to thank his teachers, staff, students, parents and the community for their support.
“Being a principal has its challenges, but I am so grateful for my experience as a principal at WMS,” he said. “I try work with some of the best people in the world and consider them like family. I also have worked with great students and parents who I appreciate tremendously.”
Gunselman said he will miss everyone but is excited about his new role as curriculum director.
“I am looking forward to working with principals and teachers at all sites and providing leadership and vision in our ongoing planning, implementing, developing and review of our district’s curriculum and instructional services,” he said.
Randol also is excited about her new position.
“I am excited to get the opportunity to teach future teachers, but I am sad to leave West,” she said. “Being the principal of this school has been an amazing experience for me.”
She said her students and parents have been “fabulous,” and she is thankful to her staff and faculty. She said everyone has been supportive and wonderful to work with.
“This transition will be super difficult for me, but I am excited for a new adventure plus a little more family time,” Randol said.
Burcham Assistant Principal Dru Svitak will assume the role of WMS principal for the upcoming school year.
Svitak said she will miss her Burcham family and has appreciated their support the last 2 years.
“All of the students, staff and parents at Burcham are amazing, and I look forward to seeing how much each student has grown, learned and matured when I see them again at WMS,” she said.
“Mr. Gunselman has done a wonderful job leading WMS, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence,” Svitak said.
She also said many middle school students, staff and parents have reached out to her, giving encouragement and support.
West gifted and talented teacher Meagan Merkey is excited to take on the role of West principal for the upcoming school year. Merkey also takes over during the construction of the new buildings.
“Weatherford is a special place to me, and I am proud to serve our students, teachers, parents and community in this role,” she said. “I feel lucky to have this opportunity because I have personally experienced the impact WPS has had on our students’ educational success through the lens of a former student, district teacher and parent of a high schooler.”
Merkey said she is an advocate for building strong relationships which will benefit the needs of the students while collaborating with stakeholders.
“I am excited to lead our dedicated educators in this transition and to be used as a support throughout the changes,” she said. “I plan on working throughout the summer to get ready for the upcoming school year. I look forward to working with you and your children.”
Merkey encourages parents to reach out to her if they have any questions.