By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Cassopolis Vigilant
CASSOPOLIS - He really never conpletely left. Gregory D. Weatherspoon is settling into his home on Paradise Lake, but he won't be officially the new Cassopolis Superindentent of Schools until July 1.
At Monday evening's Cassopolis Public Schools Board of Education meeting the Cassopolis native was extended a three-year contract. He will receive $98,000 his first year.
Weatherspoon was at the administration offices Tuesday meeting with the director of finance, Dick Devos and administrators of the buildings, including Tracy Hertsel, principal of Squires, who has been acting superintendent since William Trujillo resigned after one year. Trujillo accepted a position as high school principal.
Coming to Cassopolis as the superintendent will be a return to his hometown for Weatherspoon.
His wife of 23 years, Vivian, just retired after more than 31 years as an elementary school teacher.
He has commuted in the past and eventually moved to Lansing.
They have two children, Quentin and Patrice.
In 1984-85, he was the Cassopolis Middle School principal and was the "principal in charge" of the district in the superintendent's absence.
From 1978 to 1984, Weatherspoon was the Squires Elementary School principal.
Most recently, Weatherspoon has been director of Media/Warehouse and supervisor for food service bond committee and transportation for the Lansing School District.
In that capacity, Weatherspoon supervised the operation of 78 buses, the feeding of 11,000 students, and distribution of supplies and textbooks for 46 buildings.
In Cassopolis, Weatherspoon wants to push "we have a positive and safe environment."