Walter Weller will replace Bob Hosack in time to tackle school choice and budget cuts.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published May 23, 2003
Dixie Hollins assistant principal for athletics Walter Weller was hired as the Pinellas County Activities Director, officials announced Thursday.
Weller, 40, will begin July 1. He replaces Bob Hosack, who has been involved with athletics in Pinellas for 40 years, including the last 19 as the county's director of activities.
"I know it's going to be a challenge, but I'm excited about the opportunity," Weller said.
His exact salary has not been determined, but he is expected to earn between $61,000-$86,000 annually. He earned $58,771.55 at Dixie Hollins this school year.
Weller was one of five finalists interviewed April 22 by a committee that included Clearwater High principal Nick Grasso and Seminole High principal Rick Misenti. The other candidates were: Tom Brittain of Dunedin, Liz Collins of Countryside, Donna Blumer of Dixie Hollins and Sonny Hester of Jesuit.
Greg Zornes, an athletic coordinator at Osceola, was interviewed 10 days after the first set of finalists.
"This was a strong field, all of whom were highly qualified," Grasso said. "We have a lot of confidence in Walter and know he'll do a good job. He fits the need."
Although applicants had to turn in their resumes by January and the final list of candidates was whittled down nearly a month ago, the county waited until this week to name Weller as Hosack's successor because it still is bracing for millions of dollars in potential budget cuts.
"The budget played a role, but it's played a role in all the hirings lately," Hosack said.
Pinellas County Schools superintendent Howard Hinesley, though, said it was his intent to keep the position.
"We never really considered not having an activities director," Hinesley said. "It's an important position, and I think (Walter) is a fine choice. He's done a very good job of being involved with athletics and understands their importance."
In 1987, Weller began teaching social studies at St. Petersburg High and coached junior varsity girls basketball. Two years later, he moved to Seminole High, where he was the girls basketball coach for six years and the volleyball coach for five.
For the past seven years, Weller has been an assistant principal for athletics at Dixie Hollins. In 1997, he helped improve girls sports on campus after Frank Brogan, then the state's Education Commissioner, notified the school its participation level was far below the state's gender equity requirement.
Weller will remain at Dixie Hollins until June 6. After a week of training and two weeks of vacation, he will report to his new job.
Once he starts, Weller will devote most of his attention to school choice and budget woes.
"There are a lot of tough choices I'll have to make and I might not be too popular," Weller said. "I guess that comes with being in this position."
