Wayne Bond begins his work as BMS superintendent

BELLEVILLE - Wayne Bond has worked in schools across the United States from Carnegie-Mellon University to Christian schools in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

Though his experiences are wide and varied, Bond's career recently turned him to a new setting - rural Belleville.

On July 1, Bond became the new superintendent of Belleville Mennonite School after the resignation of Ann Kanagy.

Bond said he discovered the school opening through the Association of Christian Schools International.

"After I contacted the school, I got a call from the search committee, 'Are you sure you want to come to Belleville?'" Bond said they asked him.

The educator, who undeniably has much experience in the field, said he never worked in a rural setting.

"It's very different," Bond said. "I've mostly worked in suburbia."

However, Bond said the rural area has "tremendous appeal." Outside of school, he said he enjoys fishing, hiking and boating.

More than that, after talking with the school's search committee, Bond said his skills and background seemed like a good match for BMS.

"I came for a couple visits, and it became clear that this is where I was supposed to be," Bond said. "I'm very impressed with the people. They are genuine, caring."

Bond, his wife and his son are in the process of moving to Reedsville, where they will reside.

"I look forward to being involved with everyone in the BMS community," Bond said. "Over time, I'll learn the school and the community. Then I can help them cast a vision of where the school can go and what it can be."

Bond said he wants to keep Belleville Mennonite standing strong in its long tradition in the community and to strengthen it spiritually and educationally.

Just before coming to Belleville, Bond worked as a Christian school principal near Minneapolis.

Though he moved around New England, he calls the state of Connecticut home. Bond said most of his family still lives there - a plus to moving back east.

Bond graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with the intent of becoming a youth minister, he said. Although he worked in churches for several years, he said his career path quickly turned to education - where he worked at colleges and other Christian schools. He also served at an American school in Japan for several years. Later, he graduated from Wheaton College with a master's degree in education ministries.

For more information about Belleville Mennonite School, call the school office at 935-2184 or visit www.bellevillemennoniteschool.org.