Warsaw Schools Names New Transportation Director
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
Swain’s retirement is effective June 30.
Cheryl Cook was named the new director of transportation for Warsaw Community Schools. Michael Snavley was named assistant director, and both begin their duties July 1.
Cook holds both a computer programming degree and a bachelor of science in organizational management. She has served as the routing specialist and administrative assistant for WCS since 1997.
Snavley holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and an associate of applied science in automotive technology. He has worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools as the master school bus/lead technician for bus garage operations since 1991.
In a prepared press release, Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz said, “I am highly confident that our new leaders at the transportation center will provide first-class service to the students, parents and staff that we are so privileged to serve. Warsaw Community Schools welcomes these two individuals to their new roles in our school community. Their leadership will fulfill our mission ‘to inspire and equip all students to continuously acquire and apply knowledge and skills while pursuing their dreams and enriching the lives of others.’”
At the meeting, WCS Chief Financial Officer Kevin Scott said the process for Swain’s replacement was “extensive.” He said they advertised for it nationally and a 16-member team helped narrow the search down to three prospective candidates. Snavley and Cook were two of the three candidates.
While Snavley was not present at the meeting, Cook told the board she appreciated their decision to approve her as the new director.
In recognizing Swain, Scott started by saying, “It’s my pleasure to bring Della forward tonight, and I know it’s probably a little out of her comfort zone. I certainly enjoyed our almost nine years together, and she’s just such a delight to be around. And I love her hats.”
He then turned the recognition over to Hintz, who stated, “We had the opportunity to salute Della at our administrative team meeting last Tuesday.”
Swain started out with WCS as a classroom assistant at Lincoln Elementary School, Hintz informed the board. She worked at Lincoln for six years before being recruited as a secretary at the transportation department.
Three transportation directors later, Swain became the director.
“A position in which she served now for 24 years,” Hintz stated.
During her time as director, Swain has been very active in state and national transportation associations. When she started as director, she was one of only three women that served in that position.
“So I assess that Della Swain has been quite the pioneer. And quite the trailblazer in the area of school bus transportation. Not only here in our system, but also throughout the state,” Hintz said.
He continued, “It’s always hard to say goodbye to a veteran member of our staff. I like to say happy trails, until we meet again.”
Hintz then presented Swain with a plaque recognizing her service from 1980 to 2013.
In her comments, Swain said, “We’ve been through a lot here at Warsaw.”
She said her time at WCS has been great, and it’s been great to be a part of WCS.[[In-content Ad]]
Swain’s retirement is effective June 30.
Cheryl Cook was named the new director of transportation for Warsaw Community Schools. Michael Snavley was named assistant director, and both begin their duties July 1.
Cook holds both a computer programming degree and a bachelor of science in organizational management. She has served as the routing specialist and administrative assistant for WCS since 1997.
Snavley holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and an associate of applied science in automotive technology. He has worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools as the master school bus/lead technician for bus garage operations since 1991.
In a prepared press release, Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz said, “I am highly confident that our new leaders at the transportation center will provide first-class service to the students, parents and staff that we are so privileged to serve. Warsaw Community Schools welcomes these two individuals to their new roles in our school community. Their leadership will fulfill our mission ‘to inspire and equip all students to continuously acquire and apply knowledge and skills while pursuing their dreams and enriching the lives of others.’”
At the meeting, WCS Chief Financial Officer Kevin Scott said the process for Swain’s replacement was “extensive.” He said they advertised for it nationally and a 16-member team helped narrow the search down to three prospective candidates. Snavley and Cook were two of the three candidates.
While Snavley was not present at the meeting, Cook told the board she appreciated their decision to approve her as the new director.
In recognizing Swain, Scott started by saying, “It’s my pleasure to bring Della forward tonight, and I know it’s probably a little out of her comfort zone. I certainly enjoyed our almost nine years together, and she’s just such a delight to be around. And I love her hats.”
He then turned the recognition over to Hintz, who stated, “We had the opportunity to salute Della at our administrative team meeting last Tuesday.”
Swain started out with WCS as a classroom assistant at Lincoln Elementary School, Hintz informed the board. She worked at Lincoln for six years before being recruited as a secretary at the transportation department.
Three transportation directors later, Swain became the director.
“A position in which she served now for 24 years,” Hintz stated.
During her time as director, Swain has been very active in state and national transportation associations. When she started as director, she was one of only three women that served in that position.
“So I assess that Della Swain has been quite the pioneer. And quite the trailblazer in the area of school bus transportation. Not only here in our system, but also throughout the state,” Hintz said.
He continued, “It’s always hard to say goodbye to a veteran member of our staff. I like to say happy trails, until we meet again.”
Hintz then presented Swain with a plaque recognizing her service from 1980 to 2013.
In her comments, Swain said, “We’ve been through a lot here at Warsaw.”
She said her time at WCS has been great, and it’s been great to be a part of WCS.[[In-content Ad]]
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