After two terms, Ann Wells retires from WUSD Governing Board

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — After serving two terms on the Williams Unified School District (WUSD) Governing Board, Ann Wells officially retired during the Dec. 15 school board meeting.

Wells started as an English teacher at Williams High School (WHS) in the fall of 1976. After 32 years of teaching, Wells retired and ran for a seat on the school board to stay active in the community.

“I put 40 years into Williams Unified School District,” Wells said. “When you’re there that many years, there’s just a lot of good memories and experiences.”

During her eight years on the school board, Wells is particularly proud of the work she and the rest of the board did to raise teacher pay over the years.

“Your first concern of course is the students, but you have to care about the wellbeing of the staff,” Wells said. “The staff are the people that work closest with the students. I’ve always valued them and wanted to do as much as possible to give them a really good working environment. Being a former teacher, that was very important to me.”

As for the future of WUSD, teacher retention is a concern at the top of the list, according to Wells.

“Teacher retention is an issue nationwide. I think the school has taken a lot of positive steps,” Wells said. “I just hope that they’re able to continue on a road where they’re able to help teachers and retain teachers.”

Julia Pearson was voted to take Well’s seat on the governing Board.

“I think she’ll do a wonderful job,” Wells said. ”I feel very good about the current makeup of the board.”

After her 40 years at WUSD, Wells reflects on her colleagues, students and community.

“I had some really exceptional colleagues that I got to work with over the years,” Wells said. “I’m very happy about the time I served in Williams. I feel very lucky to have worked in such a great community that is so supportive.”

In her retirement, Wells looks forward to traveling with her husband and visiting her children and grandchildren in California and Colorado. She’s also excited to have more time to enjoy her hobbies such as hiking and sewing.