Despite disappointing news about declining revenues from both attendance and financial legislation, the Wawasee School Board still had some good news, such as a new boys’ basketball coach, Joe Luce. From left are Board Vice President Andy Cripe, Stephen Akase, Joe Luce, President Don Bokhart, Mike Fowler, Secretary Steve Baut, Neil Likens and Wawasee Superintendent Steve Troyer. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees met Tuesday, April 15 to approve new hires, review ongoing capital projects and address budget challenges stemming from declining enrollment and recent legislative changes.

“We’ll continue to keep you updated on what that looks like for us locally, but not the best legislative news for districts … but we’ll figure out how to move from there,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Troyer.

Troyer delivered a wide-ranging report that included a legislative update, details on the district’s engagement efforts, and plans to reduce staff by up to 10 full-time in response to financial strain.

Enrollment across the district has dropped nearly 20% since 2016, from over 3,100 students to around 2,537, Troyer said.

As a result, revenue from the state’s per-student funding formula has decreased, prompting Wawasee to pursue staffing adjustments.

“We’re working closely with our district and building leadership teams, as well as our teacher’s association, to ensure the process is handled with care, transparency and respect for those affected,” said Troyer.

While retirements and resignations will account for much of the reduction some positions may be impacted through a formal reduction-in-force process this spring.

“We’re bringing in less money than we’re spending,” Troyer said. “Our goal is to do as much of this as possible with minimal disruption to students and programming.”

Four retirements are planned this year, with two more in the next.

In response to Senate Bill 1, signed into law this month, Troyer also highlighted concerns about anticipated losses stemming from the legislation’s income tax changes. The new law includes changes to assessed property values and tax caps, which the state’s Legislative Services Agency estimates could cost Wawasee more than $1.9 million over three years.

The district has already paused its student activity center project to reassess financial priorities.

“There’s a lot to be worked out,” summarized Troyer. “Even talking with Dr. Brandon Penrod, director of finance, he feels like that even deciphering the bill and understanding how the bill is going to actually impact us is gonna take … probably between now and midsummer.”

Positive Developments

Despite the financial challenges, the board celebrated several positive developments:

• The Wawasee High School Iron Pride robotics team qualified for the VEX World Championships in Dallas next month, and the school’s radio and TV broadcasting students earned top honors at a state competition hosted by Butler University.

• Multiple organizations contributed donations to school programs, including athletics, FFA and the Wawasee High Band.

• The board approved the hiring of Hannah Pawlicki as assistant principal of Wawasee High School, replacing soon-to-retire assistant principal John Snyder. An English teacher since 2000, Pawlicki was praised for her “instructional leadership and abilities,” and skill at her job.

• Also introduced was new boys’ basketball coach Joe Luce, who brings 30 years of experience and nearly 400 career wins. Luce was described as a “proven leader” and will also serve as a teacher at the high school.

• Capital improvement updates included progress on Milford Elementary School’s construction and the Wawasee Middle School pool renovation. Both projects are on track, with steel framing underway at Milford and demolition beginning at the middle school pool.

• The board also approved reallocating a special education teacher to to a newly created behavior specialist position, allowing the district to expand applied behavioral services without increasing the district’s staffing total.

• Additionally, members approved using Title 1 funds to support professional learning for teachers implementing the Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum.

Other action items included approving overnight athletic and academic field trips, sending soon-to-be-decommissioned school buses to auction, and selecting Pulver Cove as a furniture consultant for the Milford project.

Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Troyer said results from a district-wide community engagement survey, answered by over 400 people, will be analyzed and presented at the May board meeting to inform planning for the district.

“Our community cares deeply about Wawasee Schools, and we are committed to honoring that by continuing this engagement,” said Troyer.

“Our goal,” he continued, “is to ensure that every member of our community feels informed, valued and connected to the work we’re doing on behalf of the students.”

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, there will be “Coffee With the Superintendent” at Harvest Coffee, 207 N. Higbee St., Milford, where parents and community members can learn more about the school corporation.