Dee Wilhelm is no stranger to the folks of Beckham County.
After all, he is a native son. He grew up in Elk City, graduating from high school there in 1987 before attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Almost his entire twenty- seven year career in education has been done in Beckham County.
After former Sayre Public Schools Superintendent Danny Crabb decided to retire last year, SPS school board members said hiring Wilhelm as his replacement was a natural fit.
Board member Bandy Silk said at the time, “Mr. Wilhelm understood our vision for the school and that we like the direction we are heading. He has great ideas on how to come in and build on the success that we have already been having.”
As SPS heads back to school this week, Wilhelm plans to stay with those plans while forging relationships with teachers, students, and the Sayre community at large.
“We are very excited to be here and for this new challenge and opportunity,” Wilhelm said. “My wife and I knew that western Oklahoma values are what we wanted to raise our family in. I mean, this is home. I left Western Technology Center to come here, and that wasn’t an easy decision. I loved being able to work with those students and provide that secondary vocational education to our students and adults so they can have careers and education choices right here at home. But, teaching in the public school system was always a calling for me. I am someone who likes a new challenge and new goals, so it felt like Sayre was a good fit for me. It was exciting to get to talk with and now work with a board that is on fire for their community. That is just what we plan to keep doing.”
Like many Beckham County schools, Wilhelm does face increased enrollment, but he says that is a good problem to have. He feels he and his new staff are up to the task.
“It is a good problem to have — a bunch of kids wanting to learn. I think it speaks to the school that so many people are confident to have their children taught here,” Wilhelm stated.
Wilhelm wants parents and guardians to also know that he is open to their suggestions and concerns.
“One of my goals is to have good communication with the community,” Wilhelm explained.
