"Best of Show" and "Gold"
awards at Houston Livestock
Show art contest
Bank officers visit GES first
graders to discuss saving
money: "Wants vs. Needs"
2/12/09 The following is a message that was sent to the GISD staff by Superintendant Mike Kuhrt after he had learned that Mr. Wachsmann passed away. We are pleased to include it as a tribute to a man who gave himself to the children of GISD for over 22 years.
GISD Family,
By now I hope that you have heard about the passing of Victor Wachsmann. GISD has lost a humble leader, a strong supporter and a wonderful person. His contribution to not only GISD, but the entire Giddings community was tremendous. However, I feel that only time will allow us to fully appreciate the life that he lived, the Christian values that he imparted on everyone that met him, and the legacy that he has left. Mr. Wachsmann loved children, he admired and appreciated the efforts of our staff, and he worked very hard over the last 22+ years to mold our public school system into one that cares for students educationally, emotionally and spiritually.
It is my hope that in your own way, you will impart to your students and friends the many memories and contributions that Mr. Wachsmann made in GISD, both in his role as a Board Member and as a wonderful example of what a man of principle is all about. I have talked to many people the last few weeks that have asked about him and to a person, they all said that you knew exactly where he was coming from the minute you met him and they had a reassurance that they were talking to a Christian man.
Personally, I have lost a mentor, a friend, and person that I admired for who he was just as much as for what he did. He taught me to stand behind my principles and that no matter what the case, as long as I acted in such a manner, he would support me personally, even if he did not support me professionally. Every time I met with Mr. Wachsmann I put extra detail into my preparation for I knew he would ask me the tough questions, expected me to know the answer, and fussed at me if I did not. His expectations of me have made me a better person and a better superintendent. I know I still have a lot to learn, and that without his being here the learning curve will not be as steep, but knowing that he is still watching and questioning my every move, will help me to do a better job. I miss him very much!
Mike
(Special thanks to Mr. Kuhrt for allowing us to share his kind words with the public)
GISD School Board President Victor Wachsmann passes away
2/12/09
Giddings Independent School District Board President Victor Wachsmann
passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 11th following a lengthy
illness. Mr. Wachsmann was the current president of the Giddings school board and had been a member of the board since 1986. He had served two terms as board secretary before becoming president in 2001, a position he held until his passing.
Wachsmann was a former Lutheran educator who worked as a teacher, coach and principal at Immanuel Lutheran School in Giddings. He served the students as a teacher and coach from 1988 - 1998 and then as principal from 1992 - 1998. He was still lovingly known as "Coach" by many of his former students.
Mr. Wachsmann was currently employed as a salesman for Jaeger's Inc. in Giddings.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea Wachsmann of Giddings; his son Mark Wachsmann of Georgetown and his son Robert & Michelle Wachsmann of Schertz, three grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran School Endowment Fund, 300 North Grimes, Giddings, Texas 78942.
