Wakeham
Mentzer
BY JOE HOSHAW Jr.
Rodney Wakeham, Trenton’s superintendent of schools since 2012, resigned last month under apparent pressure from the Board of Education, which then tapped Anderson School Principal Douglas Mentzer to hold the job on an interim basis while a search for a replacement is conducted.
Wakeham, 57, who still had a year to go on his contract for a job that paid $137,000 last year, made it clear in the resignation letter he read at the June 29 board meeting that the departure was not solely his choice.
“It is with mixed feelings that I resign from Trenton Public Schools with the intent to retire from public education,” he said. “Thirty-five plus years in a profession has been a satisfying career. Eight years as a superintendent places me third in longevity unless there is a way to remove that too. It had been my request to continue through the end of my contract, but discussion (with the board) revealed that this goal was not mutual. Differences and reasons were strong enough to demonstrate that continuing would be more detrimental to me, my family, and the district.”
The six board members present at that time — Maegan Drake, David French, Sean Gearhart, Michael Hawkins, Rachel Helton and Heather Lear — voted to accept the resignation without additional comment. Board President Kellee Howey joined the online meeting a short time later, but was not present for this vote.
That followed a prior motion where the board had unanimously approved a separation agreement.
What then followed was a motion to both initiate a candidate search and to appoint Mentzer to fill the job on an interim basis as the school district heads into what is expected to be a challenging stretch trying to reopen schools in the fall amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The motion was approved 4-3, but only after a lengthy discussion where Curriculum Director Stephanie O’Connor and Arthurs Middle School Assistant Principal Nichole Johnson were proposed as interim superintendent options. The board ultimately proceeded with calling a vote on the search motion that included naming Mentzer, with Drake, Helton and Howey casting the nays.
Mentzer, 51, who has been with the district since 1994, is seemingly well-versed in most aspects of its operation. Currently principal at Anderson — a job he will maintain at least temporarily — Mentzer has worked as a teacher, coach, athletic director and as a building administrator at all three levels.
He said he considers it an honor to be appointed the interim and is grateful to be serving in the role.
“I learned long ago that it’s not always what you do, but more about the relationships that you create along the way,” he said. “I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our current administrative team and creating an effective and efficient plan for our return to school this fall.”
The board designated members Hawkins, Drake and Helton to form a subcommittee to lead its search for a permanent replacement. Hawkins, the only remaining board member who was part of the selection process in 2012, said the position would be posted effective June 30.
Mentzer said he is definitely interested in applying for the permanent position, and will use his time as interim to learn as much as possible.
“Additionally, I understand the complexity of the issues that stand before TPS and look forward to working with our staff and community to provide students with the best opportunities to learn in every way possible,” he said.
Hawkins and other board members expect there will be additional strong internal candidates as well. O’Connor and Vincent Porreca, who is principal at Hedke, were both part of an unprecedented superintendent “internship” program in 2012 when then-interim superintendent Larry Leapley provided a training academy of sorts as a proving ground for the next district leader. Wakeham emerged from that process as the board’s choice.
In his resignation letter, Wakeham thanked those who supported him during his 25 years with the district, “most importantly” his wife and children, colleagues and the many students and families he shared his classroom with.
“It is with pride that I can reflect that I had a hand in what those students have accomplished,” he said. “Good luck to all of you involved in stewarding our youth in this difficult time. It is truly my desire that even this decision will help this district be stronger.”