From left are Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, Board members Matt Dick, Heather Reichenbach and Jeremy Mullins, Science Teacher Mark Riege, Board Members Jay Baumgartner and Randy Polston, Zimmer Biomet’s Brian Mimnaugh and Board Member Dan Metzger.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools’ Board of Trustees heard a presentation Monday night, Oct. 22, about a partnership between science teacher Mark Riege and local orthopedic giant Zimmer Biomet during its regular monthly board meeting.

Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers told the school board that the company, represented by Brian Mimnaugh, helped Riege with some new equipment.

“They have collaborated,” said Akers. “When we were trying to better equip our science labs, what better way to do that than to have a wonderful community resource here.”

For its help, Zimmer Biomet was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the school corporation and Mimnaugh accepted the award on behalf of the company.

In other news, the board officially adopted the proposed budget. The board approved an estimated total budget of $84,040726 and a tax rate of 1.3615.

The board will now await approval or the recommended cuts from the Department of Local Government Finance.

The board also heard an update from Warsaw Area Career Center Director Ronna Kawsky, who reported to the board that a big role for the WACC is being able to predict the future in terms of preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce.

“It’s a changing world out there and we’re preparing our children for jobs that we don’t even know exist yet,” Kawsky said. “We’re constantly thinking ‘our we forward-thinking enough?’”

Kawsky said the WACC provides education in a number of skills, including automotive, cosmetology and the culinary arts. “Every single year, we’re looking at expanding our dual credit offerings,” she said.

The board also heard an update from Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert on the school corporation’s recent Gold Star counseling designation.