Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong explains early literacy and district reading performance data at the Tuesday, Nov. 11 Wawasee School Board meeting. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee School Board met Tuesday, Nov. 11, approving a series of major action items, including the 2025-26 teacher contract and a new maintenance agreement, while hearing updates on literacy mandates, the district’s academic performance, and the long-awaited completion of the middle school swimming pool.

Teacher Contract Approved

The board unanimously approved the 2025-26 collective bargaining agreement with the Wawasee Community Educators Association.

Director Richard Pawlicki and members of the Marching Warrior Pride celebrate their ISSMA Scholastic Class B state championship win.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer said the contract, tentatively presented during the Monday, Nov. 3 work session, includes salary increases mandated by state law and a general raise of about $1,650 for most teachers.

“We’re required by statute to raise our starting teacher salary to $45,000,” Troyer said, adding the district’s strong enrollment and state funding formula make the pay raise possible. The contract also continues incentives for literacy endorsements and provides retroactive back pay to the beginning of the school year.

Financial And Operational Actions

The board approved the annual Education to Operations Fund Transfer Resolution, authorizing transfers of up to $500,000 between funds if needed in 2026. Troyer explained that the resolution allows flexibility but does not require any transfers.

A financial report presented by Troyer in place of Director of Finance Brandon Penrod showed the district’s October expenditures were higher due to a third payroll cycle. Education fund spending totaled $2.6 million, compared to $1.7 million in September, with cash balances expected to stabilize in the coming months.

Literacy And Academic Updates

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong gave a detailed learning report, following up on the new state requirement for K-5 teachers to hold early literacy endorsements by July 2027. Wilfong said the district is surveying teachers to track compliance and noted she completed the 80-hour course herself.

Parent Curt Hursey asks about progress on the new middle school swimming pool and its readiness for the upcoming meet Tuesday, Nov. 25.

“It’s a lot of work, but very valuable,” she said. “Our teachers have already built strong foundations in early literacy, so I’m confident we’re on the right path.”

Wilfong also shared data showing all three Wawasee elementary schools performing above the state’s expected average when socioeconomic factors are considered. “Even though poverty strongly correlates with test performance statewide, our schools are exceeding expectations,” she said.

Pool, Parent Concerns

Patron Curt Hursey from North Webster asked during public comment about the new Wawasee Middle School pool, which has faced construction delays. Troyer said the pool is expected to be handed over to the district by next week and could host its first meet Tuesday, Nov. 25.

“The water should be in by this week,” Troyer said. “We want the first event to be a great event, but we’re on track and have backup plans if needed.”
Board member Andy Cripe later urged ensuring contractors maintain a tight schedule and that staff receive adequate training on the new timing systems before opening.

Autumn Van Curren addresses the Wawasee School Board regarding a recent bus incident and concerns about student safety.

During the public comment period, parent Autumn Van Curren of North Webster raised concerns about an incident involving her second-grade son being allegedly hit by a bus driver. Van Curren said that while the hit was labeled “an accident,” on-board cameras failed to capture the event because they shut off when the bus was parked and keys turned off.

These cameras are supposed to protect our kids,” Van Curren told the board. “They shouldn’t shut off while children are still on the bus.” Troyer and Board President Don Bokhart assured her the district would investigate.

Other Items

• Board members approved the 2026-27 school calendar, an interim leadership plan for the Department of Special Services, and a multi-year Automated Logic contract to maintain the district’s HVAC systems. Out-of-state trips for band, DECA, and potential state athletic events were also approved.
• The meeting opened with “good news” presentations recognizing the girls cross-country team finishing 14th overall – with member Mia Hodgson advancing to the state level – the cheer squad’s state qualification, and the Marching Warrior Pride band, which won the ISSMA Scholastic Class B State Championship.
• Troyer also praised the Wawasee High School Veterans Day ceremony earlier that day. “Our students and staff created a respectful, moving event that truly honored our community’s veterans,” he said.

The board will hold its next work session Monday, Dec. 1 at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse. The next regular session will be Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center.

Wawasee Cheer and coach Johnathon Lackey are recognized by the Wawasee School Board after earning a spot in the state finals.