MANSFIELD — The new Mansfield City Schools personnel director took a circuitous route, but Mark Wilcheck is happy to be home.
The 56-year-old Wilcheck, who grew up in the area before launching his educational career, was unanimously approved by the school board on Thursday evening to run the district’s personnel department. He received a two-year contract at $97,240 annually.
Wilcheck said he lived on Lexington and Dawson avenues in Mansfield as a boy, before his parents built a house in Ontario, which is where he graduated from high school in 1980.
“This is still home, this is definitely home,” Wilcheck said. “I have a lot of friends here and I look forward to being around and being back and working with Mansfield City Schools.”
Wilcheck earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in physical education and athletic administration from Ohio University, a master’s degree in educational administration from OU and his superintendent certification from Bowling Green State University.
Wilcheck has worked in various educational capacities, most recently as vice president of business relations and personnel management for the Metropolitan Educational Technology Association (formerly TRECA), based in Marion. He has also served as superintendent of Minford Local Schools in southern Ohio and Cardington-Lincoln Local Schools, as well as a principal, teacher and coach in various districts.
So why personnel?
“When I was at TRECA, I worked with personnel and I enjoyed the interactions with people. The big key is building relationships and trust in our employees. Those are things I do and do well. This is an opportunity to get here and build those relationships with staff,” Wilcheck said.
“Hiring them and keeping them here is going to be a big key. That’s what we want,” Wilcheck said. “The key to that is (employee) job satisfaction and being a part of something bigger than themselves, working with our students here in Mansfield City Schools and getting enjoyment from that.
“We are here because we make a difference. That’s really what we do,” Wilcheck said.
SET FOR A NEW YEAR: District families will receive a postcard from MCS in early August, welcoming them to the 2018-2019 school year. The new school year begins Aug. 23.
Students at Mansfield Senior High and Mansfield Middle School may register and pick up schedules on Aug. 14 from noon to 7 p.m., Aug. 15 from noon to 7 p.m. and Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents should bring the following: At least three emergency contact telephone numbers; medical insurance information; and doctor’s orders to administer prescription medication. If needed, this form may be picked up at school offices, beginning Aug. 9.
Malabar Intermediate School grade four orientation will be Aug. 16 at 5:30. There will be an open house for grades 5-6 on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Secretaries will be in all district school buildings starting on Aug. 9.
The postcard mailer informs parents and students that all school breakfasts and lunches will be free this year and there are no school fees, except for musical instrument rental.
KUDOS TO TRANSPORTATION: Supt. Brian Garverick, during the meeting, congratulated the district transportation department for its quick reactions on Wednesday during a law enforcement manhunt for a suspect not far from the Happy Hollow Day Camp. He said the district has students attending the camp, which is operated by the Friendly House.
Garverick said he was contacted by the Mansfield Police Department during the law enforcement search. He said he contacted the transportation department and two district bus mechanics, who have CDLs, quickly took buses to the camp to safely bring the children back to the Friendly House.
“They really stepped up,” Garverick said.
NEW COACHES: The board approved a list of supplemental contracts for the 2018-2019 school year, including Brian Constance as the Mansfield Senior head varsity cross country coach and Jon Van Houten as the head varsity girls’ soccer coach.
