Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE – The Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees heard a number of positive reports during its approximately 35-minute meeting Tuesday evening.
Among the highlights was a $10,000 donation from Women of Today, with each school in the corporation receiving $2,000, for student needs, along with numerous donations to athletic groups, programs and scholarships.
In addition to the monetary donations, board members heard about the work of the Wawasee Middle School Junior Honor Society and Milford Elementary K-Kids.
Members of the Wawasee Middle School Junior Honor Society opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and vision statement. In addition to completing the required 20 service hours, the group has raised funds and supported initiatives to benefit the school. According to Dr. Diane Woodworth, interim superintendent, projects included operating a Christmas store for students, creating a gift basket for a student recovering from surgery, and showing appreciation to staff, including bus drivers, custodians, kitchen staff and teachers.
“Every step of the way these kids have been doing a lot of great things, initiating projects and having great ideas,” Woodworth said.
Co-sponsor Sarah Wagner added the students have “blown her away this year” with their ideas, work ethic and desire to make a difference and help others feel appreciated. She also recognized the support of parents.
Milford Elementary K-Kids, led by Cheryl VanLaeken, were also recognized. Two members spoke about the club and why they joined. One project, a monthlong soup drive for the Van Buren Township Food Pantry, had a goal of collecting 100 cans. Through donations from students, community members and others, the group collected 718 cans.
Also recognized were 21 members of the Wawasee Alliance Group, who received certificates of appreciation. These community members meet monthly to learn about the corporation’s operations, budgets and overall functions. Woodworth said applications for next year’s group will soon be available on the corporation’s website.
Monetary donations from area businesses and individuals were also noted. Contributions supported baseball, boys basketball, the athletic department, Academic Hall of Fame, DECA and scholarships including the Philip K. Fawley, Dave Kistler, Mitchell J. Price, Cynthia Thornburg and Class of 1989 memorial scholarships.
Superintendent Search
Board President Andy Cripe outlined the timeline for hiring a new superintendent. Second-round interviews will take place between April 27 and May 1. The contract will be advertised between May 4 and May 14. A public hearing and hiring are planned for May 18-22, followed by negotiations on a start date after May 26.
Cripe said the board has met “some of the most impressive people in the interview process … I’m glad we got on this early … I’m super excited.”
Ryan Christner, president and CEO of OrthoWorx, addressed the board as a community leader.
“Tonight is a moment of pride, not for one person or one organization, but for the entire community,” Christner said.
He noted in 2025, Kosciusko County was named Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce — the first time a county received the honor.
“This does not happen by accident,” he said. “People show up, invest, lead and believe in something bigger than themselves.”
Christner presented the board with a replica of the award for the school corporation.
During public comment, parent Sue Myers praised a football coach for a recent program in which he discussed priorities and explained equipment and plays.
Milford Elementary Update
Michael Casey, principal of Milford Elementary, provided an update on the first seven days in the new school building, describing the experience as intense but positive, with some adjustments still needed. He also announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. April 30.
Board Business
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong presented a memo updating the board on discussions regarding the growth of Wawasee’s virtual programming. She recommended moving forward with preliminary planning to establish the program as a separate school entity and asked for board feedback. A timeline of Aug. 31 has been set for the plan.
The board approved a transfer of $471.19 from the general obligation bond fund to the rainy day fund. Members also approved overnight and out-of-state trips, including science and math students traveling to Sandusky, Ohio, on May 15; culinary arts students traveling to Chicago on May 18; and the boys basketball team attending a camp at Trine University from June 15-17.
The board approved the final reading of one revised bylaw and the first reading of another.
Additionally, the board approved personnel matters, including classified, certified and extracurricular employment, transfers, resignations, leaves and retirements.
