MAY 25, 2004

Agenda Item No. 15

Introduced by Commissioner Minter of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION HONORING DR. DAN WERTZ

RESOLUTION #04-164

WHEREAS, Dr. Dan Wertz has served as Superintendent of the Okemos Public Schools since 1981; and

WHEREAS, he has devoted his career to education both in the United States and abroad, having served as a middle school science teacher, Deputy Superintendent in Columbus, Indiana and as Director of Instruction at the International School Bangkok, Thailand; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wertz is the recipient of the Michigan State University School of Education Crystal Apple Award presented to those who exhibit exemplary leadership in education; and

WHEREAS, he has published articles, presented seminars and keynote speeches on the topics of resilience, gifted education, substance abuse, educational leadership and has served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University, as well as Michigan State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wertz has been a member of Indiana and Michigan Department of Education advisory groups, he is a member of the state and national Associations of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa International and the American Association of International Educators; and

WHEREAS, he has also been very active with the Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce, Okemos Kiwanis Club, where he previously served as President, Board of Directors for Highfields Inc. - Residential Program for Difficult Students and is an Elder for the Okemos Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, after twenty three years of dedicated service, Dr. Dan Wertz is retiring from his position as Superintendent of the Okemos Public Schools.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby honors Dr. Dan Wertz on the event of his retirement and sincerely appreciates his numerous contributions and dedication to the citizens of the County of Ingham, in particular the children, as Superintendent of the Okemos Public Schools.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board wishes him continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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Tom Minter