Wayne Highlands has a new school director, Brian L. Weist.

The 1988 Honesdale High School graduate was voted onto the school board, replacing a seat vacated by the recent death of Robert Diehl Jr.

“I want to be a part of an organization that helps kids succeed,” Weist told school directors during an interview at the special meeting.

The new director will serve out Diehl’s term, which ends in December, and said he will run for the slot during the next election.

Weist was one of two candidates for the position, the other being G. Kenneth Shino. School directors voted 5-2 in favor of Weist, but said both candidates were impressive and would be an ideal fit on the board.

Voting for Weist were Directors Thomas Fasshauer, Heather Stephens, Kathy Grandjean, John Lowe and Thomas Dirlam. Directors Lothar Holbert and George Korb voted for Shino, and Director Gina Pritchard was absent.

“It’s a shame we have to tell one of them no,” Lowe said, echoing the sentiments of other directors.

The new director will serve the district’s Region II, which is Honesdale and Bethany boroughs and Dyberry and Lebanon Township.

Weist, who has a dairy farm on Tryon Street in Honesdale and also works at Wayne County Ford, said supporting students and properly representing constituents would be his top priorities.

“I’m big on kids. ... The students come first,” he said, noting he is a major supporter of 4-H programs.

The incoming director added he works well with others and is enthusiastic about contributing to the betterment of the district.

Grandjean noted how Weist is “extremely passionate” and would be a nice addition to the school board.

Article Courtesy of
The Wayne Independent
By K.O. Kearney