Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — Community engagement, student access to athletics and long-term financial planning dominated discussion at the Wawasee School Board’s work session Monday as board members, staff and residents explored ways to strengthen district culture amid ongoing budget pressures.
The work session opened with a financial update outlining the district’s approved 2026 budget and tax rate. Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer said the district’s overall tax rate will decrease slightly to 0.5197, while property tax caps and recent legislation are expected to reduce the operations fund levy by approximately $687,500.
Despite the reduction, Troyer said the district remains fully funded in debt service and is exploring options such as debt refinancing to manage future obligations.
One of the evening’s presentations came from Wawasee Middle School eighth-grader Kendall Scheeren, who proposed allowing middle school students free admission to middle school athletic events.
“At nearly all (middle school) sporting events, you can easily count the students attending on your fingers,” Scheeren said. “We can easily raise what’s needed to offset ticket revenues for 2027. Let’s make middle school events something classmates are eager to attend.”
Scheeren said the goal is to increase attendance, school spirit and participation in athletics while creating a more welcoming environment for students.
“Far too often, progress is slowed by trying to answer every small detail and searching for tiny reasons not to do something,” board member Andy Cripe said. “This proposal is simple and it’s a step in the right direction.”
Scheeren estimated there are 24 remaining home middle school sporting events this school year and said lost ticket revenue would be minimal.
She suggested sponsorships and community support could offset costs while increasing concession revenue and overall enthusiasm.
Troyer praised Scheeren’s initiative, noting it marked the first time a middle school student had directly contacted him with a formal proposal.
He said the district is committed to finding a way to implement the plan, at least on a trial basis, while exploring sustainable funding for future years.
“No matter the funding source, we’re going to make this happen,” Troyer said. “The key is figuring out how to sustain it.”
The board then heard from communications consultant Jeff Dyson, who discussed the need for a clearer strategy to promote district strengths and improve long-term engagement and retention.
Dyson said schools face challenges similar to businesses: attracting families and ensuring they choose to stay.
“Engagement and retention are the two pillars,” Dyson said. “What does it take to get people in the door – and what does it take to retain those people?”
Dyson said he plans to present the board with a detailed framework outlining possible roles, tools and strategies to strengthen district communications before any formal decisions are made.
Discussion returned to athletics with a presentation led by alumnus Dr. Ross Heil, who emphasized the importance of long-term alignment across youth, middle school and high school programs.
Heil said consistent access to facilities, improved coordination among community partners and a unified vision are critical to rebuilding participation and competitiveness.
“It’s about community, relationships and giving kids a positive experience that stays with them,” Heil said. “This is why sports matters outside of just sports, because it has a positive impact on our culture.”
Several coaches and staff also spoke, including wrestling coach Jamie Salazar and community member Pat Moore, who shared perspectives on athlete development and program needs.
Paraprofessional Linda Mast also took to the microphone to address compensation concerns and retention challenges facing support staff.
“I don’t begrudge your discussion about (raises for) special ed. paras,” Mast said, “but some of us have had 25 plus years in the corporation. And what you’re proposing is more than what some of us have been paid after 27 years.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong followed with a learning report highlighting spring testing schedules and results from the district’s most recent federal accountability report card.
Wilfong said while several schools showed improvement, achievement gaps remain, particularly among special education and English learner populations.
“We’re not surprised by these results,” Wilfong said. “But they help us identify where we need to focus our efforts moving forward.”
Wilfong outlined plans for additional professional development, outside program reviews for English learner services and a forthcoming presentation by Wawasee Middle School leadership on addressing achievement trends.
No action was taken during the session, though Troyer said some items, including the student admission proposal, may return for consideration at future meetings.
The Wawasee School Board will next meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 for its regular meeting at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center.
