Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees used its Monday work session to review finances, hear major community-driven proposals tied to new facilities and receive updates on ongoing construction and staffing needs.
The meeting opened on a somber note with recognition of the death of longtime Wawasee High School English teacher Amy Miller. Board Vice President Don Bokhart read a letter from High School Principal Geoff Walmer honoring Miller for more than three decades of service and her impact on generations of students.
“She never gave up on students, and they knew it," read Bokhart. “Amy leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through the thousands of students she taught and the countless lives she touched.”
Performing Arts Center, Park, Athletics Updates
A significant portion of the meeting focused on community proposals tied to the district’s new facilities.
Milford Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall updated the board on the Milford Collaborative Park project, noting that letters of intent for grants through the Community Amenities Program and the K21 Health Foundation have been accepted. A full grant submission is due Tuesday, June 30.
“We’re also constructing a committee to assist with planning for the park project," Gall said, adding School Board member Mike Fowler had agreed to join as board representation. The project also recently received a $20,000 donation from Harvest Coffee.
Meanwhile, a Performing Arts Center task force outlined a proposal to create an independent nonprofit to operate the new high school facility. The group proposed a model in which a 501(c)(3) organization would manage programming, staffing and fundraising while the district retains ownership.
“Our mission is to make it zero cost for any student that wants to join in the arts,” task force member Ben Plikerd said, "while expanding events and generating revenue through rentals, performances and concessions."
Plikerd said the plan could grow programming from roughly 50 events annually to 350 within five years, while also helping attract and retain students. The group is seeking board approval to form the nonprofit, having already applied for a $2 million request through the state’s READI 2.0 initiative to assist in funding.
In a separate presentation, Dr. Ross Heil shared progress on improving coordination between school athletics, youth programs and community partners. Heil has been attending Wawasee School Board meetings since December, keeping the board updated on several tentative initiatives to improve Wawasee School Corporation’s athletic programs.
"We need to envision the athletic department as a six-to-12 unit, more cohesive, more communicative," Heil explained.
Recommendations being explored included implementing facility scheduling software for the corporation's athletic spaces and exploring partnerships with Manchester University for student internships and sports management pathways.
"It all comes back to our students," Heil said.
Following those discussions, Interim Superintendent Dr. Diane Woodworth said the district plans to seek formal approval for a new 6-12 assistant athletic director position at the next regular meeting. The role would help unify middle and high school programs and address staffing gaps created by declining enrollment and restructuring.
Facilities updates were also given for the new Milford Elementary School.
“We tracked about 500 punch list items, and we’re now down to around 30," said Colin Hunter, of Michael Kinder & Sons, with remaining work scheduled around school operations. Additional summer work will address flooring, casework and mechanical updates.
Demolition of the old Milford building is expected to begin June 8, with completion now projected around Thanksgiving. Prior to demolition, Kraft Auctions will conduct an online auction of remaining items, with cataloging beginning May 12 and bidding closing May 28.
Other Items
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Brandon Penrod reported steady fund balances across education, operations and debt service accounts, noting typical seasonal cash flow patterns and no activity in the rainy day fund beyond a small transfer. The district continues to monitor how administrative salaries are allocated across funds, with further discussion expected once a new superintendent is hired.
Board members repeatedly expressed support for the level of community involvement reflected in the evening’s presentations.
“It’s exciting hearing community-minded groups come forward with ideas,” Bokhart said, noting both academic and extracurricular opportunities remain key to student success.
The Wawasee School Board will next 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 for its regular meeting at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.
