Longtime Wayne Trace teacher retiring

Van Wert independent

PAULDING — The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board approved a number of personnel items during its February meeting held this Wednesday.

Superintendent Brian Gerber updated the board on personnel items and legislative issues, as well as WBESC activities, during the meeting, including the retirement of longtime teacher and coach Tom McCord.

“Tom is a great example of a highly effective educator,” Gerber told the board. “He served special needs students for 35 years. He took great pride in his job and cared about his students.

“He also coached every sport known to mankind, and was highly successful in all the sports he coached at Wayne Trace,” Gerber added. “I will miss Tom as a professional and friend, and we greatly thank him for his 35 years of service.”

McCord’s resignation is effective May 29.

Also Wednesday, the board authorized a public hearing related to the proposed retirement/rehire of Chris Feichter after this school year, to be held during the March 12 WBESC board meeting.

A one-year contract was extended to Kara Beers as a teacher at Divine Mercy School, effective February 17.

The next meeting of the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at the Van Wert ESC office.