OAPSE State Secretary Sandra Wheeler Retires After 32 Years In Leadership

Sandra Wheeler, who held the position of State Secretary in our union for 32 years, has retired effective December 31, 2023. Sandy held numerous local and OAPSE Northwest Central District positions over a long career as a secretary with the Lima City Schools.

OAPSE State President Lois Carson spoke of Sandy’s contributions to OAPSE and her role as a leader on the union’s State Executive Board. “Those of us who had the privilege of working with Sandy will always be grateful for the professionalism, warmth and intelligence she brought to this critical role in our leadership team. Sandy not only maintained outstanding records of our union’s meetings, but also contributed genuine wisdom to our deliberations at the Executive Board. She also made every OAPSE member she met feel valued and appreciated.”

OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola talked about his relationship with Sandy. “For more than 30 years of my administration I was privileged to share our leadership table with Sandy. She helped us steer our union through challenge after challenge, all the while keeping flawless records of our Executive Board meetings and Conferences. More than that though, I will be forever grateful to Sandy for the gracious, generous, and caring nature she showed to all of us. Her friendship and support are a treasure to all of us who were lucky enough to know her.”

Sandy will be enjoying her well deserved retirement with her husband, Ivan Wheeler, and all of her children and grandchildren at her home in Lima.

We all join in wishing Sandy the best of life for many years to come.