Jim Weidman is no stranger to the Lake Orion school district, and after years of volunteering and serving on the school board, Weidman has accepted a new role as school board president.
Weidman, a former teacher, is in his seventh year on the school board and has formerly served as a trustee.
‘With Leeann’s departure and my background in education and healthcare, I’ve had a lot of experience in human services,? he said, adding that the combination of those items, plus his non-profit experience, allow him to bring some experience and leadership into his role as president.
Weidman believes that one of the biggest focuses for the school board will continue to be the budget.
‘We’re going to have a continued struggle of financing,? he said, noting that the Michigan unemployment figures have risen to 7.2-percent, not a good thing for school districts. ‘We’re going to need new ways to deal with this.?
Budget issues aside, Weidman said that he is coming up with a working plan for next year and it’s important to keep moving forward.
‘We want to continue to move forward within the constraints that we have to work at and continue to address the challenges,? he added.
Weidman feels that with the current board, and their vast experiences, knowledge and backgrounds, they will continue to do so and he is looking forward to working with them.
‘It’s a pleasure to work with all of them,? he said. ‘The community is lucky to have this group serving the needs of families and children in the community.?
He also credits the current school administration for being a key part of the district’s success, saying that the administration is ‘out ahead of the curve.?
And while budget cuts and disciplinary issues are constant items for the school board to deal with, Weidman will also get to have a little fun in his new position. Besides attending award ceremonies and various other school functions, one of his new jobs as president is to make a speech at Lake Orion High School’s graduation. For Weidman, this isn’t something he’s worried about.
‘It’s easy to talk about the good news of another class of graduates and wish them well,? he said. ‘It’ll be fun.?
And while being president is an extremely important role, his most important role plays out in his family life’father and husband. Weidman is the father of four: Kiley, 2003 LOHS graduate, Western Michigan University; Kelsey, 2005 graduate, Michigan State University; Kaelyn, 2007 graduate, Michigan State University; and Julianne, fourth grade, Stadium Elementary.
Weidman said that without the support of his daughters and his wife of 10 years, Cathy, he wouldn’t be able to be successful at what he does.
Weidman noted that he also referees basketball around southeast Michigan and he is always getting good feedback from individuals who have visited the Home of the Dragons.
‘It’s really a tribute to Lake Orion Community Schools,? he added.