A recent teacher of the year recipient said the new Dothan City Schools superintendent has made a huge first impression on her, and her classroom of students.
Paula Dean, a recent teacher of the year recipient for the city of Dothan schools, was one of several people to speak Sunday at the welcome reception for Tim Wilder, the new superintendent for the Dothan City Schools. Dean spoke of a visit Wilder make to her classroom at Carver Magnet School.
“He went to each table, and he talked to all the students,” Dean said. “I knew that very first day he had his priorities in order. The students come first.”
Dean was one of more than a 100 people who attended a welcome reception Sunday for Wilder at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jeff Coleman, chairman of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, referred to Wilder as a dynamic and enthusiastic leader shortly before Wilder spoke at the reception.
“I believe by far we got the best candidate,” Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz said. “We’re proud you moved here and took on the challenge.”
Wilder said he was fairly familiar with Dothan after playing baseball at Wallace Community College.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a reception like this,” Wilder said. “There’s going to be a lot of public appearances here by me to get the good word out about the Dothan City Schools. It’s not about Tim Wilder. It’s not about the Dothan City School Board. It’s about the kids of the Dothan City Schools.”
The Dothan City School Board approved a three-year employment contract last month for Wilder. Wilder previously served as superintendent of the Gulf County Schools in Florida.
Todd Weeks, principal at Beverlye Magnet School, said he’d already met Wilder, and wanted to show his appreciation for Wilder coming to Dothan.
“We just want to continue on the path of success, and continue to see test scores rise,” Weeks said. “He’s a team player, and a team leader. I think he’s going to bring that team mindset to the table.”
But Y. Denise Vincent, director of education for the Head Start program, met Wilder for the first time Sunday.
“I already talked to him and introduced myself. I thought he was pleasant, and I look forward to working with him,” Vincent said. “It was important for him to put a face to the Head Start program.”
Meagan Hart, who is on the committee for the 2011 back to school rally, said she was shooting a commercial with Wilder and Schmitz after the reception to promote the rally. She said the rally will be August 13 at Rip Hewes Stadium.
“I’m a 2003 graduate of Dothan High, and a Troy University graduate,” Hart said. “I’ve been very inspired by everyone putting everything they can into Dothan especially the mayor and now the new superintendant. They’re very inspirational, and they really push their students.”
Mary Ann Earnest, a former teacher at Gerard Middle School, wrote a lengthy welcome message on note paper left out for Wilder at the reception.
“I told him my granddaughter is going to Northview, and under his care I expect to see great things from the education system,” Earnest said, who met Wilder for the first time Sunday. “He’s so nice. He seems like he has lots of energy, and has such a kind spirit.”
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