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SYRACUSE — Patron testimony dominated the Wawasee School Board’s meeting Tuesday, with residents raising concerns ranging from alleged classroom misconduct and employee pay policies to transparency and accountability in the district’s ongoing superintendent search.
Six patrons spoke during the public comment portion, prompting lengthy exchanges between community members and board leaders.
Alicia Smith, Syracuse, addressed the board with allegations involving a Fairfield Building Trades instructor, Jeff McClure, describing an incident she said occurred in November involving her son.
“He put him in a chokehold, took him to the ground, wrapped a cord around his legs and dragged him across the classroom,” Smith told the board, adding she was concerned the individual remains in contact with students.
Smith said she shared the information publicly because she believed it had not reached the board. Members asked clarifying questions and requested Smith remain available for follow-up after her remarks.
Vicki Morton, Syracuse, raised concerns about hourly employees who do not receive pay during snow days, including special education paraprofessionals.
“The person I know makes $14.25 an hour, and when there’s a snow day, they make zero,” Morton said. “I think that’s morally incomprehensible.”
Lissa Krull, Milford, thanked the board for recent transparency improvements, including work sessions and expanded documentation, but urged board members to slow down and broaden community engagement in the superintendent search process.
“A transparent search builds trust and ensures the next superintendent reflects the values of this community,” she said, adding that recent job postings lacked sufficient information to attract strong candidates.
Maria Roberts, Syracuse, used her remarks to voice appreciation for teachers and school staff.
“I want you to know that a lot of our community sees you,” Roberts said. “You are making a difference.”
Rob Chalk, Syracuse, delivered extended remarks criticizing past administrative decisions and calling for deeper accountability. Chalk questioned previous hiring practices and urged board members to resist what he described as “easy, familiar routes.”
“The community expects transparency, engagement and a process that prioritizes students,” Chalk said. “It’s time for the correct personnel on the board to take responsibility for a recent failure: hiring Mr. Joe Luce.”
Chalk continued, “Luce was appointed personally ... this appointment included a $40,000 private donation and special accommodation such as a fully refurbished office.”
Chalk ended his comments with a call for Board President Andy Cripe to resign.
His comments sparked a lengthy response from board members, including Cripe, who acknowledged frustration on both sides.
“The last six or seven months have been really challenging,” Cripe said. “We’re human, too, but our hand is out. Work with us.”
In response, patron Alex Wild challenged the board’s response to patron communication and stressed the importance of public discussion over private email exchanges.
“This is why things are said at board meetings: so the public knows,” she said. “Nepotism in this school corporation is very real, and so is retaliation. Please don’t confuse complaining with concern.”
Board members reiterated their intent to gather community input through surveys and emphasized that no superintendent selection has been made.
Board member Steve Baut added that the board and patrons share a common goal.
“We want great academic success for our students,” Baut said. “That’s what I care about.”
