Wayland School Committee approves tech leases, preschool update, LaFleur stopgap

WAYLAND -- June 7, 2023, Wayland School Committee approves tech leases and a volunteer stopgap as two top administrators depart. Members unanimously approved a four-year Chromebook lease covering middle school, elementary and 125 teaching-assistant devices, plus a five-year lease for 40 ViewSonic interactive flat panels, completing a 12-year hardware refresh push. The committee appointed outgoing Finance and Operations Director Tom LaFleur as interim director from July 1 to July 9 at no cost, bridging to incoming director Susan Bation's July 10 start. Children's Way Director Abigail Dressler reported enrollment has grown from about 50 to 78 children, with 33 IEPs, roughly 42 percent of the school, and 14 students needing English-learner support. Former member Jeanne Downs called LaFleur "unflappable" and thanked Acting Superintendent Parry Graham, who is leaving for Lincoln.