Wawasee School Corporation attorney, Tim Shelly, is shown addressing the patrons who spoke during the public comment period. It may be noted that Shelly is often not in attendance at these meetings. Dr. Brandon Penrod is shown on the left.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — More than 15 parents and community members attended the Wawasee School Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, to voice their concerns regarding a recent student issue within the school.

Many parents were adamant they should have been notified of the incident and do not believe it is being handled properly.

As the board requests patrons who will be speaking on the same topic elect a representative for their cause, the large group who attended the meeting let Becky Levinston and a few other parents voice their collective apprehension.

Levinston stated, “I really hope this district takes this opportunity to be strong leaders and show the students that sexual harassment and assault are not acceptable behaviors and that you treat it with the same severity as you do other types of confrontation that seem to have a zero tolerance policy.”

One of the other parents stated this is an issue of student comfort and safety; they may not be coming forward with information because they are unsure of how or if the situation will be handled. Another parent claimed this is not a onetime incident but rather a series of events built up with such severe emotional impact that their child and other students want to switch to virtual learning.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer addressed the group, stating, “There was an incident that happened on Friday at Wawasee High School, and yesterday was the first day we were really able to get in and start investigating. These processes take time to work out; you have to give our folks some time. … I would hope you have some faith in our team that we will address things where they need addressed. I want to ensure you we are working on it. I would be happy to sit down with any of you individually or a small group of you who want to talk about it.”

The school corporation’s attorney, Tim Shelly, also interjected, “I understand where you’re coming from. … It is my obligation as an attorney to you all and to the school corporation to make sure these policies are followed and appropriate discipline is imposed, but I can’t do anything, Dr. Troyer can’t do anything, the board members here can’t do anything unless we know about it.”

Everyone reached the consensus there is an ongoing investigation into the issue, but it was noted that parents and students should come forward with any information they have about this and any other incidents of this nature.
Many avenues can be taken to report these actions and Dr. Troyer affirmed they are dedicated to the resolution of these issues.

Milford Middle School Discussion

A new engagement strategy to evaluate Milford Middle School was discussed at the Wawasee School Board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The strategy will be put in place to help bring the Syracuse, Milford and North Webster communities together in the process of evaluation for authentic stakeholder and community member input. Dr. Jim Halik will be assisting with the project as a facilitator for an exhaustive facilities and educational specifications study set to begin in late February 2023.

The project will consist of a training session with the board in January, followed by five meetings, one in each of the school facilities, consisting of a tour and a presentation of a particular topic of importance prepared by industry professionals.
The topics will consist of facility needs, demographic study results, curriculum and programming needs, school finance, corporation debt capacity and many other matters. These meetings will be followed by work sessions in which an elected committee of 40-45 members will develop ideas to present to the board.

The meetings will occur on four consecutive Mondays beginning Feb. 27 and conclude with a lengthy work session Saturday, March 25. The board members are presently considering individuals in local communities who would serve well on the committee.

“The process is as important as the outcome,” Dr. Troyer said. “In this case, we’re putting together a process designed to collect as much input and stakeholder feedback as possible.”

Dr. Shelly Wilfong presented PSAT scores gathered from 10th graders and some select 11th graders in comparison to state and nation scores. Her chart revealed that scores have increased significantly since the 2021-2022 school year.

Geoff Walmer added, “Two years ago, in English language arts, we were 26 points below the state. This year, we were seven points above the state. In math two years ago, we were nine points below the state, now we’re 16 points above the state.”

Wilfong is hopeful that in the near future, the Graduates Prepared to Succeed scale will replace the current A-F grading system.

The new scale is intended to be more comprehensive and is based on academic mastery; credentials and experience; communication and collaboration; work ethic; and civic, financial and digital literacy.
T

his was the final board meeting of Rebecca Linnemeier and Rob Fisher. Linnemier stated, “I want to say I really appreciate everyone’s support of me, the communities support of me for 16 years. … It’s bittersweet because I still have the passion but it’s just time to move forward.”

Fisher commented on his 12-year tenure, “It’s been a nice ride. … We have great teachers and great administration, it’s not really my doing but I feel like we’ve done a lot. … I appreciate it and I’m glad I did it.”

Troyer revealed that another warrior athlete, Cameron Zimmerman, has received an IHSAA Exemplary Behavior Report for demonstrating great sportsmanship during a wrestling match. The corporation also received numerous donations: $2,500 for the Pathways Career Center; $500 from Arlene Mohler; $1,000 in the form of a Paths to Quality award; $500 from the Builders Association of North Central Indiana; and $8,500 from Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.

During other business, the board approved the following overnight trips and updated title and pay structures:

• Overnight trips for the wrestling team semistate, Feb. 10-11, East Chicago; wrestling state finals, Feb. 17-18, Indianapolis; girls’ swimming and diving state finals, Feb. 10-11, Indianapolis; boys’ swimming and diving state finals, Feb. 24-25, Indianapolis; girls’ basketball state finals, Feb. 24-25, Indianapolis; gymnastics state finals, March 10-11, Noblesville; and boys’ basketball state finals, March 24-25, Indianapolis.

• Transportation coordinator to director of transportation with an hourly pay increase of $3.75; maintenance, facilities and ground coordinator to facilities director with an increase of $2.58; maintenance to maintenance technician with an increase of $5.50; and the addition of one and continuation of two $600 annual cellphone stipends.
The request for a temporary special education teaching position was also approved.