Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — New coaches, state-qualifying athletes and a message encouraging community unity were among the highlights of the Wawasee School Board’s regular meeting Tuesday.
The meeting at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center began with recognitions during the board’s “Good News” portion, where interim Superintendent Dr. Diane Woodworth highlighted student achievements, staff accomplishments and community support for the school corporation.
Woodworth first thanked the Milford Food Bank for donations supporting the Boomerang Backpack program and other school activities. The board also recognized Wawasee High School students who designed and built benches for the recently renovated middle school pool deck as part of their construction trades program.
The board also introduced four newly appointed head coaches at Wawasee High School: head volleyball coach Ryan Edgar, head boys basketball coach Nate O’Connell, head football coach Mark Osmialowski and head girls tennis coach Michelle Bradley.
Winter athletes who advanced to state competitions were also honored during the meeting. Qualifiers came from girls wrestling, boys wrestling and boys and girls swimming and diving teams. Woodworth noted the number of athletes competing at the state level reflected strong performances during the winter sports season.
“These athletes represent the hard work and dedication of our students and coaches,” Woodworth said while recognizing the students.
During patron comments, Syracuse resident Erick Leffler addressed the board, encouraging the community to focus more on the district’s successes rather than internal conflicts.
Leffler said he often hears questions about why families choose to leave the district, but he believes the issue is not due to teachers, coaches or facilities.
“I think it’s because we’ve allowed a few negative voices to disproportionately represent our school district,” Leffler said.
Leffler pointed to the accomplishments of students and programs across the district, including state-qualifying athletes, performing arts programs and robotics teams competing at high levels.
“We need to start celebrating those victories and let people know what we really have to offer here at Wawasee,” he said.
The board also received an update on Indiana’s new statewide school accountability system, which is currently in what state officials are calling “year zero.” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong explained the transition year will establish baseline data before official letter grades are assigned to schools. The updated model evaluates not only academic performance but also indicators tied to future readiness, such as attendance, career preparation and student growth. Wilfong said the state is expected to release baseline grades for schools in late August or early September.
Before adjournment, officials announced a slight adjustment to the timeline for filling the vacant board seat formerly held by Steve Baut, moving interviews for candidates from March 19 to March 17 to help ensure the new member can participate in the superintendent search process. Board member Neil Likens will act as secretary in Baut’s place.
In other business:
• Board members approved several action items, including financial reports and a request to distribute $5,000 from the Rebecca L. Linnemeier Student Success Fund held by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation to support student counseling services.
• The board approved a letter supporting the grant process for a proposed Milford community park project and authorized several donations of surplus equipment from the former Milford School building to local organizations.
• Trustees approved an agreement with an auction company to sell obsolete equipment and furnishings from the building.
• The cast of Wawasee's upcoming production of "Mary Poppins" appeared wearing T-shirts with the show's poster on it. The cast then passed out free themed shirts to attendees.
• The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County to operate a Summer Learning Lab program for elementary students during the summer.
The Wawasee School Board will next meet for a work session at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6 at 801 S. Sycamore St.
