Longtime school official dies Sunday
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on September 26, 2012 1:46 PM
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Dr. Willette Stanley
Members of the Wayne County public school system are mourning the unexpected loss of one of their own, after 23-year veteran Dr. Willette Stanley died Sunday.
Dr. Stanley came to the area in 1982 and became the director of Federal Programs in 2004, a position that she used as an opportunity to work as fierce advocate of students -- and to ensure that the county's homeless student population was being served.
"Dr. Stanley will be missed and her loss will be felt across the school district, Wayne County, and North Carolina," said Dr. Steven Taylor, WCPS Superintendent. "Dr. Stanley has dedicated her career to building up children, and under her care she has effectively managed budgets and programs that ensured those students in the greatest need could receive the necessary resources to help overcome academic challenges. All of our schools were touched by Dr. Stanley's department and her legacy will live on for years to come in all of the various programs she managed."
Under her leadership and direction, the district was able to offer students enriched and excelled programs, fund teaching and support staff positions, facilitate high quality professional development, and provide tutoring opportunities and resources for students.
In addition, she worked vigilantly to help ensure classrooms were equipped with the necessary supplies, materials, and technology to help ensure students have the necessary tools to be successful at school and in life.
"Dr. Stanley has been more than an advocate for our students. She has been a friend, an esteemed colleague, a professional, and an invaluable resource for our staff and students," Taylor said. "Her experience, knowledge, and work ethic made her a strong asset to our schools and to the administration. Looking back over her career, we can proudly say that our district has moved forward in the right direction under her leadership and support while in her administrative role."