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A Little Bit Longer

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

WESTCHASE - Joyce Wieland will have one last first day.

The principal of Westchase Elementary, Wieland started her new job as a school district general director on Monday. But she didn't want to abandon her school when classes resume Monday, so she will continue to work out of Westchase until her successor is named.

Her assistant principal, Nancy Mooy, will manage the school's daily operations as Wieland learns her new position and gets the school year under way.

The Hillsborough County school board appointed Wieland general director of exceptional student education on Aug. 5. The next day she met with the Parent-Teacher Association to reassure them the first day of school would bring no disruptions. She sent a letter home explaining the transition as well.

Children and their families have stopped by, which Wieland welcomed.

"It's very important for them to see me," she said. "They're still excited about the school year. I tell them all that we've planned and promised - we'll carry out."

Wieland has led Westchase since 2005, when its original principal, Roseanne Miller, retired.

"I could not be happier for her," said PTA President Tracy Urso, who will collect community input for the district to use when it chooses the next principal. "We wish her the best, and we're happy we have someone on our side way up there."

Wieland, her friends and colleagues greeted the change with mixed emotions. Mooy called it bittersweet.

"She'll be outstanding," she said.
Deer Park Principal Lou Cerreta considers Wieland a mentor. She worked well with the community and welcomed Cerreta to her campus while his school was under construction. She reached out to Deer Park and Bryant, helping develop a collaborative relationship among the three neighboring schools.

Wieland said the promotion fulfilled a career goal, though it saddened her to think about not seeing students every day.

She started her career in Hillsborough County in 1979. She taught for 15 years in various positions at Meacham Early Childhood Center and Mort, Northwest and Cahoon elementaries. In 1994, she entered administration as an assistant principal at Mabry Elementary and became that school's principal in 2001. She moved to Westchase Elementary four years later.

She replaces Wynne Tye, who became assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction last month.

"I feel privileged to have served as your principal," Wieland wrote in her letter to parents. "Thank you for your support in the past and in the days ahead. I will always treasure my fond memories of my mighty Wizards."

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503 or cpastor@tampatrib.com.

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