Public urges Spring‑Ford board to rename ninth‑grade arboretum for Gail Wellington

Mike Hayes of Pottstown told the Spring‑Ford Area School District board on June 16 that he was speaking on behalf of State Representative Joe Ciresi and asked the board to consider renaming the ninth‑grade center arboretum in honor of Gail Wellington.

"I did get to know Gail over the course of many years," Hayes said. "Just an incredible life of service." He listed volunteer roles Wellington held, including project coordinator for the ninth‑grade center arboretum, service on the board of the gallery school, the Springford Chamber of Commerce and the Western Montgomery United Way, and work with the Occupational Advisory Council for the Western Center and the Arts Goes to School program.

The nut graf: the comment was submitted during the meeting’s public comment period and the speaker asked the board to add a renaming of the arboretum to the board's consideration. The speaker thanked the board for considering the request.

Board members later acknowledged the comment. Mrs. Dierdorf thanked Hayes and expressed condolences to Wellington’s family, saying Wellington was widely praised for her impact on the district. The transcript indicates the matter will be listed on the district agenda (agenda item 12) for board consideration; no board vote or formal action on the renaming occurred during the June 16 meeting.

Less critical details: Hayes said Representative Ciresi had reached out in support of the renaming and that Wellington had previously declined the honor while she was alive, but family and supporters now seek a memorial renaming.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; the request will be considered by the board in a future agenda item.