By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon’s vice mayor has a new “daytime” job.
Jeff Wootton, the Yukon City Council’s at-large representative, has joined Blanchard Public Schools as a teacher and coach.
Wootton on May 19 announced he was leaving Yukon Public Schools after 10 years.
He had worked as a geography teacher at Yukon Middle School and, most recently, Independence Intermediate School.
A 2000 Yukon High School graduate, Wootton taught more than 1,200 students while in Yukon.
He explained the factors that influenced his decision to leave the Yukon school district.
Topping the list was the opportunity to coach baseball and softball in Blanchard.
“As someone who is passionate about sports and enjoys working with people, this is an exciting prospect for me and one that I felt I couldn’t pass up,” Wootton said. “In addition to the coaching opportunity, I was also looking forward to teaching in a smaller district.
“While I enjoyed my time at Yukon and having the opportunity to teach some of the most amazing students, I felt that a smaller district would allow me to build stronger relationships with my students and have a greater impact on their lives.”
This new position was an answer to the prayers of his family, who “have been asking the good Lord to put me in a place where I would best serve – and I truly believe Blanchard is that place,” he noted.
Wootton expressed excitement about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of his students and athletes.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YUKON
Wootton believes working in Blanchard will help his position on Yukon’s five-member city council.
“In the past, there have been situations where I’ve had to go against the wishes of certain individuals or groups at YPS in order to do what I believed was best for the city of Yukon as a whole,” he pointed out.
“As an elected official, my responsibility is to represent the citizens of Yukon to the best of my ability, and I will continue to do that regardless of where I work.”
This month, Wootton started his second, four-year term as Yukon’s at-large council member.
He defeated two challengers in the Feb. 14th Yukon City Council election, earning 52.9% of vote to earn a new term.
Wootton also was elected to continue as vice mayor for another year by a 3-2 city council vote.
He looks forward to continued progress in Yukon.
“We have several ongoing projects related to economic development, infrastructure improvements and public safety, and I’m confident that we will see positive results from these efforts in the coming year,” Wootton said.
“Additionally, I believe that we will continue to work together as a City Council to address the needs of our community and ensure that Yukon remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
