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.