Tag Archives: Craig Popma

Wyoming Public Schools superintendent announces his retirement

In October, Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Tom Reeder tells the board of his district’s efforts to improve reading proficiency.

After 27 years of service to Wyoming Public Schools, Dr. Thomas Reeder announced his retirement which will take effect at the end of the school year.

 

Reeder began his career as a math specialist/coach in the District in 1991. He then served as Director of Academic Support for a short time before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in 2002. Reeder has been Superintendent of Wyoming Public Schools for the past seven years.

 

Reeder said that he hoped when he retired, that he would be jealous of where the District was heading. And he is. He said, “I have been extremely fortunate to work with a staff who not only shared in an endless list of joys and proud moments, but worked tirelessly to make a difference in the Wyoming community.”

 

Superintedent Thomas Reeder

The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education accepted Dr. Reeder’s retirement letter at its March 12 board meeting. “It is an ideal time for me to end this chapter of my life knowing full well that Wyoming Public Schools is in very good hands,” Reeder noted following Monday night’s meeting. “Together we have made a difference. I am proud of all that has been accomplished, but always wishing it was even more or faster.”

 

“My goal was to leave much more than I took and leave the District better than when I came.” He hopes he did that every day for the 550 staff and over 4,300 students he has served. “With all of you, we are Better Together at Wyoming Public Schools.”

 

School Board President Craig Popma noted the Board will begin the search for Dr. Reeder’s replacement immediately with the intent of having the new Superintendent start on July 1, 2018.

 

“Dr. Reeder is one of the most dedicated leaders Wyoming Public Schools has ever had. He is a true visionary and a champion in helping grow our schools and community” Popma said. “His drive, dedication, and commitment is why Wyoming where it is today. Dr. Reeder was vital in bringing Wyoming together through some very difficult times. There is no one I would have ever wanted to work with during the consolidation of our high schools other than Dr. Reeder. He was able to take a very difficult situation and make it a positive outcome for our entire district.”

 

Prior to coming to Wyoming Public Schools, Reeder taught Math at Mason County Central High School in Scottville, Michigan for six years. He graduated high school here in Wyoming and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s from Aquinas, his Master’s in Education from Grand Valley State University and his Doctorate in Education from Eastern Michigan University.

 

Dr. Reeder serves on numerous community boards as an advocate for the City of Wyoming.

 

Dr. Reeder and his wife, Maggie, plan to remain close to the Wyoming community and enjoy time with their four children and eight grandchildren.