WHEATLAND — During a regular meeting of the Board of Platte Co. School District No. 1, John Weigel was voted in as superintendent.

Weigel became the Interim Superintendent of the school district after the former superintendent, Cory Dziowgo, resigned in April. Board Member Diane Haroldson moved to approve contract negotiations with Weigel, seconded by Dustin Kafka; board member Amanda Fox was the only “nay” vote to the motion.

Prior to his time in Wheatland, Weigel had been superintendent in Flagler, Colo. and has worked at several Wyoming Schools since 1988.

Board Chair Lu Lay read a statement concerning information considered in the decision, which stated the board worked closely with Wyoming School Board Association and hired Mr. Weigel during the search last spring. The board agreed to enter into more permanent negotiations with Weigel based on several factors:

In an evaluation survey of employees of the district, there a good response concerning Weigel’s performance in the last several months. Over 50 percent of employees chose to participate, with the majority being positive responses. 

The SBA reported there is a shrinking list of qualified candidates for superintendent positions, and many individuals who are just beginning that portion of their careers.

There are currently four districts in Wyoming seeking to hire superintendents

The expense of a typical search for a Superintendent is between $6,500 and $10,000

Further, Lay stated Weigel has been handling the tasks of his job responsibly and positively in the district.