While it may be summer vacation and a time for some much-needed R&R for some, the Business Office at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES has been working hard this summer, undergoing changes big and small in an effort to restructure, reorganize and reset ahead of the new school year.
Led over the last six months by Interim Assistant Superintendent for Administration Lisa Ryan, the Business Office has recently brought on several new faces to the team — some from within other departments at W-FL BOCES, and others from outside of the organization.
Two major staffing changes include the hiring of Mike Wurster, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, and Kyle Percey, School Business Official. W-FL BOCES is thrilled to bring these two experienced, dedicated individuals on to lead the Business Office into this new chapter.
Mike Wurster comes to W-FL BOCES from Union Springs Central School District, where he has worked for more than a decade — first as an Assistant Principal, then as a Principal and most recently as Assistant Superintendent.
As Assistant Superintendent, Mike’s responsibilities included managing all district finances while supervising the transportation, food service and facilities departments. He also has significant experience working in districts at many levels — from working with students and teachers in school buildings to leadership at the administrative level and managing district budgets — and brings a deep understanding of our region to the work.
"What really excites me is the opportunity to work at the regional level,” Mike said. “I am interested in being a part of an organization that is building relationships across the Wayne-Finger Lakes Region and finding ways to offer creative programming and individualized solutions to help districts do what’s best for kids.”
Mike’s role as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations solidifies W-FL BOCES’ commitment to creating a culture of fiscal responsibility and a high standard of excellence in the Business Office and its work with both other internal BOCES departments and the Component Districts across the region.
“I think there’s an untapped opportunity to find new ways to provide inter-municipal or inter-organizational services to our Component Districts,” Mike said. “Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES is at the heart of so many pieces that go into the functions of a school, and it’s our responsibility to leverage our skill sets and resources to support that work.”
Kyle Percey has been an educator since 2008, working as an Elementary Teacher in Lyons Central School District and Midlakes Central School District, a High School Teacher in South Seneca Central School District, a District Treasurer in Keshequa Central School District and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations at Watkins Glen Central School District.
“This region is really home to me,” Kyle said. “I’ve worn many hats — I’ve been a union officer, I’ve been a teacher, I’ve been a coach, I’m a parent, and I am currently a board of education member for Waterloo CSD. I feel like coming here — coming to this role — I can bring those experiences and work through situations with the understanding of all those unique mindsets.”
Kyle plans to take his experience in both the classroom and in the district office with him as he sets out to forge strong relationships with School Business Officials and other administrative leaders across the W-FL Region.
His deep knowledge of operations, infrastructure, process and procedures in public education will be vital as he strives to improve the efficiency and systems supporting the W-FL BOCES Business Office.
“I want all the districts we work with to see us as an essential partner that they can trust and rely on,” Kyle said. “It’s all about being transparent. It’s being honest and up-front and practical about what we can do and how we can build confidence and trust.”
Together, Mike and Kyle hope to bring a shared philosophy and vision for the future of the W-FL BOCES Business Office to their work — beginning this summer, but with vital, long-lasting implications down the road.
“We have a lot of wonderful people working really hard across the region on some great ideas,” Mike said. “I think together, Kyle and I can build systems and relationships that will allow us to build a culture within the Business Office that says, ‘we’re all a team, we're all doing our part, and we’re going to get through it.’”