A reception for the retirement of Sheila Howe, director of human resources, left,, was held before the Warsaw School Board meeting Monday. Shown with Howe are Director of Facilities Jim Lemasters and Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, right. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

WARSAW — Warsaw School Board approved the retirement of one Warsaw Community Schools administrator and the contract of another Monday, Oct. 21.

The board held a hearing on Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert’s contract.

After the meeting, Board President Heather Reichenbach said Hoffert’s contract was coming to an end, so the board approved to extend it.

The contract the board approved goes from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. In the contract, Hoffert’s annual base salary is $194,000. Also included in the contract is an annual teacher retirement fund contribution, annual group health insurance premium contribution and annual term life premium insurance contribution.

There was no discussion from the board nor any public comment.

Later in the meeting, the board approved the retirement of Sheila Howe, director of human resources.

There was a reception for Howe before the board meeting. During the reception, Hoffert called Howe the heart of the superintendent’s cabinet.

“We’re so excited for your next journey,” he said, noting she’s taking part of WCS with her and WCS is keeping part of Howe with the school corporation.

Director of Facilities Jim LeMasters said Howe had the compassion of Christ.

Howe said WCS has been with her a lot. She is ready to do this next chapter in her life and what lies before her.

“Warsaw is a great place to work,” Howe said, noting the board has been great to work with.

Howe was presented a gift from Warsaw Cut Glass.

In other business, the board:

• Adopted its 2025 budget.

The budget totals $104,487,194. The rainy day fund is $1.7 million. The debt service fund is $18,835,194. The referendum debt fund is $2,882,000.The education fund is $54,070,000. The operations fund is $27 million.

• Adopted a motion to spend the general obligation money when received. The corporation is looking for a maximum of $5 million for classroom spaces and athletic spaces throughout the corporation.

• Heard about third annual Heritage Night the boys soccer team put on to celebrate Hispanic heritage. There were Hispanic food vendors. Dancers from Our Lady of Guadalupe had dances before a soccer game.

• Heard the Warsaw Community High School Marching Band placed 13th at state Saturday.