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Principal retires from school system that educated him

Mapleshade Elementary School Principal Wayne Wilson. Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn
By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW Some might describe Principal Wayne Wilson's office at Mapleshade Elementary as small. He prefers the term "cozy." Come June 30, however, the size of the office won't matter, as Wilson will be packing all his belongings to officially retire from the East Longmeadow Public Schools after 38 years of service.

Wilson grew up in East Longmeadow and was educated in the town's school system. He attended fourth and fifth grades in the school he is currently the principal of.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams as a kid that I'd be back here working one day," Wilson said with a smile.

After graduating from the high school in 1966, Wilson matriculated at Westfield State College, earning a degree in education. After that, he moved on to Springfield College to earn a master's in counseling and psychological services. He taught for four years at a parochial school before becoming a guidance counselor for East Longmeadow in 1975.

"At the time [I started college], career options seemed fewer," Wilson explained. "I went into education because I had a friend who had done it already and my father said it seemed like a good career. And I love kids."

Wilson said he had "a calling for guidance" because he had an easy time talking with others, liked to help people dealing with difficulties and was compassionate toward the students.

Approximately 10 years ago, the principal of Mapleshade, Frederick Lafayette, moved on to become the school district's superintendent. Wilson and a teacher shared the principal's position until he took it over full-time.

"It was an easy transition for me because we had and continue to have a great staff," Wilson said.

One of the best parts of the job is the fact the teachers he works with are also good human beings, Wilson said. "They have a natural tendency to want to help kids learn, adapt and problem solve," he added.

Even the best staff can't keep someone young forever, though. After 38 years, Wilson said his energy level just isn't what it used to be.

"I'm in bed earlier," he laughed. "I think it's time to try something different." He continued by saying he doesn't have any other jobs in mind after his retirement from the school but he really enjoys boating, golfing and other outdoor activities and plans on traveling the country.

"I think I'll miss the people the most," he said of his impending retirement, "and all the great kids who try so hard."

He added that he will miss the pace of it all -- being a principal is really a fast paced, multifaceted job. "There's a lot of variety in a really busy environment and it really makes the time fly," Wilson stated. "When I leave here and slow down, it's going to be a culture shock."

During nearly four decades of service, Wilson has seen children grow and change. "The time kids are living in now is different," he said. "When I was young, I could bike around town all day and not show up at home until dinnertime. Now kids have cell phones and they have to check in with mom every so often. Because of the safety concerns, you don't see as many pick-up games at the playground. I understand why that is, but something is missing."

Wilson said the nature of society has changed and that parenting and growing up has changed as well.

"The essentials of who kids are hasn't changed though," he stated. "They're still little sponges, ready to soak everything up."

He said he's also seen an influx of technology over the years, from having just a few computers throughout the school to now hosting a full computer lab, with SMART boards and televisions in every classroom. "The school looks the same from the outside but it's changed within," he explained.

While Wilson said he does have some mixed feelings about retiring, he thinks the time is right. "I've had many enjoyable days at Mapleshade and it'll be tough to give that up," he added.

Principal Wilson said he has no big plans for his last school day on June 30. "I'll just ease into it," he said. "I'm so focused on this week that I'm too busy to fantasize about retirement."

The search is already on for Wilson's replacement. The school is looking for someone with strong leadership and communications skills and someone who will be committed to student success. By Feb. 13 a search committee (made up of three general education teachers, a special education teacher, a non-certified employee, and Education Association representative, three parents of current Mapleshade students, two additional parents from the school council, a PTO officer, a Chamber of Commerce representative, a selectman, the superintendent, another administrator and two School Committee members) will choose three finalists for the position to interview with the School Committee.

"It will be difficult to replace Mr. Wilson," Superintendent Edward Costa said.