Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — Wawasee School Board used its work session Monday to welcome interim superintendent Dr. Diane Woodworth, preview upcoming financial decisions, hear public concerns and review several consulting and operational proposals expected to come before the board for formal approval later this month.
Board President Andy Cripe opened the meeting by outlining the purpose of the work session format, emphasizing that discussion would focus on items likely to appear on the agenda at the board’s next regular meeting. Cripe also noted efforts to keep discussion focused while still allowing community input.
Woodworth introduced herself to the board and public, saying she was pleased to step into the role and get to know the district. Woodworth also helped demonstrate new digital board book software that allows board members and the public to view agendas and documents simultaneously during meetings.
"I'm very pleased to be here," Woodworth said. "I've been in education a long time, and it's been a pleasure stepping in and getting to know the people in this district."
One of the first topics addressed was payroll transparency, following comments raised at the board’s January meeting. Board members said the district is currently undergoing its regular State Board of Accounts audit, which includes a review of payroll controls and processes. Administrators also said they are exploring improvements to payroll documentation, including clearer item descriptions, which could be implemented as a summer project.
Patron Alex Wild asked for continued transparency on payroll discrepancies.
"This affects over 200 people," Wild said. "I don't want this to be downplayed as an error. We really need to look at the system and the process."
Several other patrons spoke during public comment. Concerns included ongoing maintenance and construction issues, questions about oversight of previous building projects and requests for clearer communication.
Board members said they would gather additional information and provide follow-up at a future meeting.
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Brandon Penrod reviewed multiple financial items expected to appear on the February regular meeting agenda. These included first-semester extracurricular account filings for the 2025-26 school year and updated non-certified staff compensation rates.
Penrod also discussed potential engagement with a consulting firm to analyze property tax impacts on the district, including effects from state circuit breaker limits. The proposed study, estimated at about $11,000 and funded through bond resources, would examine district finances on a parcel-by-parcel basis to assist long-term planning.
In addition, Penrod explained options for refunding a portion of the district’s outstanding 2018 bonds. If approved, refunding could lower interest rates and reduce annual debt service payments, potentially easing future tax levy pressure.
"Wouldn't this be something all school districts would want to look at?" Secretary Steve Baut asked, referring to the proposed property-tax analysis.
"Yes, I think quite a few are looking into it," replied Penrod.
No formal action was taken during the work session.
Woodworth provided a brief interim superintendent’s update, saying her first week had focused on meeting staff and visiting schools. She said she was encouraged by what she had seen so far and looked forward to working with district leaders.
"I've met a lot of people, visited schools and had a chance to reconnect with principals I've worked with before," Woodworth said. "It's been a really good week."
The board also reviewed several additional proposals anticipated for the February regular meeting, including a marketing and communications operations review, expanded grant administration services, a memorandum of understanding related to career pathways programming, an agreement to license American Red Cross training materials and updated paraprofessional pay.
"I've looked at several options for paraprofessional pay. Based on feedback by the board ... I recommend all paraprofessionals, full- and part-time, receive a $1.50 per-hour increase to their pay," Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong said.
Administrators said many of the proposals were evaluative or compliance-related and would not take effect without further board approval.
At the meeting's end, resident Curt Hursey, Wild and resident Rob Chalk all asked the board to be methodical and public-facing in its search for a permanent superintendent.
“I think it's important we understand what happens after this," Chalk said.
"There is no need to rush," said Wild.
Wawasee School Board next meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.
