001Good evening. It's 6 o'clock. This is the W City School Board of Education meeting. It is Monday, May 4th, 2026. Roll call. All board members are present. Having a quorum, I'll call the meeting call the meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Wall City Schools provides a relevant and rigorous education founded upon relationships to ensure each student is college and career ready for success in the global community. Welcome. There are no recognitions tonight, but we do have revisions um for Q through T. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to comment on an agenda item tonight? You don't
002mind paper? Anyone? Okay. On to the consent agenda. We have minutes from April 20th, 2026. claims donate. There's no donations and no financials tonight. I'll accept a motion on the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor of accepting the consent agenda, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion passes. The next regular schedule board meeting will be Monday, May 18th, 2026 here at Water City Hall at 6 p.m. There's some items of communications. whole business recommend the board approve transitioning the DLI program out and begin implementation of a Spanish language and culture for all which includes the addition of a part-time teaching parah teacher at OG neighbors to teach Spanish language and culture as a special class for all grade levels discussion or we'll accept a motion so moved second
003discussion all All right, I am going to go through presentation. Um, this just kind of covers my rationale for my recommendation for this. Um, first off, we know that we do have some impending financial changes. Um, over the last 5 years, our enrollment has continued to drop. This is not surprising. The county has also seen declining enrollment during that same time. Um, and when our enrollment drops, that means we get less money into our ED fund. And last year, House Bill 1001 required us to move to a minimum teaching salary of 45,000. We made it to 42,000 this year, and we'll have to get to 45,000 next year. Um, so we have to increase teacher salary, which comes out of our ED fund. We also know that um Senate Enrolled Act One, which provides property
004tax relief to our homeowners, um over the next three years, this is going to be less funding into our struggling operations account. Um for calendar year 2027, we will see about $105,000 loss. Um 2028 is going to be very similar to 2027, but calendar year 2029, this loss will be huge for our operations. We could potentially see a drop to 750,000 as our total levy, which is almost half of what we're getting right now. Um, so knowing that we've got declining enrollment, knowing that we have to raise teacher pay and that we're going to get less funding in our operations, these are all the things that we have to think about when we look at our DLI enrollment. Um, this is a snapshot of where we were last year with our DI enrollment and that
005was K through 7 and where it is this year um first through eight. We have seen a drop in about 30 students across the district. Um we know that every year as students move through the DLI program, we see students that decide to drop out. So, you know, when we see this big of a drop, this is another thing that we have to consider when we look at the cost. Um, when we look at all of our DLI teachers, and this is, um, our our budget for this year, um, our salary for all of the teachers is $373,850. When you add benefits on top of that, it comes to a total salary and benefits cost of $584,000. And remember, this was without a fourth grade Spanish teacher at OJ. So, it would have been higher
006had we had that teacher. So over 600,000 probably. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because um usually DLI teachers when they come in, they're not at the beginning teacher pay. Um they're usually somewhere right around 50,000 depending on their years of experience. And then when you add in all their benefits, it's easily, you know, can be up to probably $80,000. Okay. Um, I know it was mentioned that DLI could be looked at as a money maker because it does attract students to come in. Um, our basic tuition support that we get for each student for this year is $7,756. And we get that regardless of what district they live in, if they're in our district, or they come to us from one of the surrounding districts. This year, 43.6% of our DI students come from out of district.
007So, if we go through and look at what that um gets us across all grade levels, um of the 172 students that are enrolled in DLI, 97 of them are in district students. So, 56.4%. 75 are out of district. So, that's 43.6. So when you take those 75 and multiply them by that 7756, we are bringing in about 581,000 almost 582,000 from out of district. So when you look at what we're paying for salary and benefits, what we're bringing from out of district, it is not making us money. We're actually spending a little more. And again, that was with not having a full staff. Um other things that we have to consider there are um extracurricular costs for the DLI program. There's also PD. Um we have learned that when teachers come to us from
008another country. Teaching in the United States is quite different than teaching in their home country. So there's various um PD that we have sent them to. Some of it has taken place in Utah. Right now we have a collaboration with Warsaw providing um professional development for our our DLI teachers. Another thing that we don't consider is the transportation cost for our outofd district students. We transport all of our students and any of the students that are out of district. Transportation cost comes from operations which we know has been a struggling fund for us. And so we are transporting these students but we receive no tax dollars from them. their tax dollars stay in whatever district uh they're in. And so those costs, we you know are eating all of those costs. So my rationale for
009moving to the DLI um moving from DLI to language and culture and all. First I want to make sure that everyone understands if a student has started in DLI, we are not stopping the program. If there is a first grade student in DLI, they will have the opportunity to continue all the way through until they graduate. Um, we will not have DLI in first grade next year and each year after that we would phase it out. Um, we know that we struggle to find DLI Spanish teachers. Um, surrounding schools that have DLI programs are experiencing the same thing. I know when I talked to Manchester, they have a hard time. I think they're going to need four DLI Spanish teachers this coming year. Um and and another issue that we face is that districts that
010are in larger communities can offer more money. Um, we last year, I know when we were looking for a teacher, there was one that they were looking at us and they were looking at a school in Indianapolis and we were going to offer them right around 53,000 and they were going to get uh I think it was about 65,000 in Indianapolis. So, that's another thing. It's hard for us to compete with those larger districts. Um, the interest in DLI is not what it was when it started. I know when it first started there would be 40 to 50 kids signed up for DLI. So when we had two teachers at each grade level there would be 20 to 25 in each class. Um the last two years we did cap it but we capped it
011at 30 and we were still having to talk people into signing up for it. Um the state has also done away with the DLI grant. Um it wasn't huge, but it did help offset the cost of really the professional development in the curriculum. Um and we've also learned that the results are not really what we had hoped they would be. Um I'll have Mr. Blossom, Mr. Matter, you can speak a little bit to this. We had a plan set up for our students to go into the IUK classes for next next year. Um, IUK did require them to take a placement test and I believe only one student in the eighth grade class met the qualifications to go into those classes. Is that correct? >> Yeah, one one student tested at the um 200 level
012in the second semester. So, it would be equivalent to our our Spanish core class um in in high school. >> So, most are in the the 100 level, which be the first year of college Spanish. Okay. >> So, with that, we're having to do some pivoting to get those kids ready um as they move on. Um we also know that learning a language at a as a young age helps with our brain development. And so, why not give that opportunity to all of our students instead of just a select few. Um so, like I said, all students currently in the program would be able to continue through graduation. Um, our current staffing can cover the program with some minor tweaks at both OJ and the middle school high school. I believe at OJ, um, next
013year if we go to second grade, our second grade Spanish teacher will actually teach the entire day, both the English side and the Spanish side. Um, and then at the middle school and high school level, one of the things that we've seen is that when students get into the middle school and they're giving up two periods a day, a lot of them have said, "I don't want to give up two periods." So, starting in fifth grade through 8th grade next year, they would go down to one period a day. And then once they get into seventh grade, Mr. Blossom, you can talk about what we would do with them as far as dual credit. We're working on a dual credit piece, but essentially uh we'll have them taking Spanish three um and Spanish 4 in
014sequence there. This year will be a little bit different um because we have two groups um that none of them have had Spanish. So, we're looking at giving that high school uh credit for them uh so that they have enough to be to to meet the prerequisite for college Spanish beginning in their freshman year. >> Okay. still waiting on IU Bloomington for some final decisions on that. >> Okay. Um so beginning in the 2627 school year we would offer a Spanish language and culture class and that would be to all OJ students. Um and again we'll have to hire a part-time either teacher or teaching parah to do that for two years. After that um Mrs. Rosella would be able to do that at OJ. So, the benefits, all of our students would have the
015opportunity to begin learning Spanish and about the Spanish culture. Um, our students will not be bilingual. We know that. Um, but they will have the neural pathway connections formed later for language learning. um it will give them a curiosity about other languages and cultures and people and it will give them exposure to more than one language which we know is helpful to cognitive development. So another thing is we still will be offering something different or unique to our families. So, the next steps, um, my recommendation is that the board approve this transitioning the DL DLI program out and moving to a Spanish language and culture for all. Um, I believe it's what's best for our students. I believe it's a way to keep our good teachers here and it also considers our current and future
016financial condition. >> Discussion from the board, comments, questions. How many teachers do we have right now that you say 30 are getting paid under the minimum? >> Yes. >> Required. >> Yes. So I I believe when I did the calculations just to get those 30 teachers up to the minimum is going to cost $60,000 and that's if we give no raises to anybody else. >> Sure. But like how many teachers we have in general? I can't remember. Is it almost 100ish? >> It's less than 100. >> I knew we were moving >> about 90. >> Okay. So a third of their teachers are getting them from the state requirement. So even moving them to the state required minimum, it will feel like a raise, but it's not really a raise because it's what they're required
017to have anyways in their teaching position. Can we touch more on because I know the whole goal was to have them have their associates in Spanish by the end of high school. Is that >> uh No, the plan was um there's courses that are equivalent to a minor in in Spanish that they can earn from from IUK. >> Okay. Um essentially um the idea is that they if they tested at a certain level they would get uh credit for the 100 and 200 level classes and then there are about I think six more classes that they would take um online uh through IUK um that would get them through the the remainder of that. So whether even with this group that's uh freshman um they still have that opportunity based on there's six classes left.
018So, if they start that as sophomores, they have six semesters. So, they could just take one class per semester and and then be eligible for the minor. Um, and that's that's a little tricky, too, because they would rarely have to metriculate to the IU system in order to to get that minor. Um, but as soon as they would take a class there and and pass a class in IU system, then all of that could apply to whatever degree they're earning through IU. if we have students. So, moving to the uh Spanish language culture and all language for all, if we have students that this really sparks an interest in them. And one thing I would say is that when our kids that are first graders now get up to the to the middle school, and
019this is easy for me to say, but probably need to look at a transition for students that really show an interest in learning Spanish to getting them into Spanish earlier so they can start those dual credit at maybe seventh grade, eighth grade year and they would still have the same opportunity that we had planned for our DLI students. that correct? >> Yeah. And there's a lot of flexibility in in that as well, whether or not um the question for the IU Bloomington system is whether or not those uh >> middle school um students are eligible for dual credit. It seems to me that's probably going to be no, >> but it really doesn't matter much anyways because if they were going to take um classes at IUK, the classes that we have, they have to
020take a placement test that makes them eligible for those anyways. So, really is the education piece that we're getting. So as long as the rigor is appropriate uh with what would be the college Spanish in that seventh and eighth grade year then conceivably they will test to demonstrate that that they have met those requirements and then when they start taking the classes from my UK they will get credit for uh for those at the 100 level and 200 level Spanish is the thought. So, um, similar before, you know, we were doing dual credit. Um, we still had four years of Spanish. It just wasn't aligned with with dual credit and our kids would graduate and when they would take Spanish in college, they would take a placement test. So, it works very similarly. It's just
021four years early. >> So, you know, I will add too in the DI program, what some of the results that we are seeing is that our kids are very good conversationally. Um but when it comes to the um what is actually tested on Spanish placement exams so it's a lot of uh grammar usage um verb conjugations present tense past tense all of those sorts of things um that's where they're struggling. So that will be our focus in the seventh and eighth grade year to to get those kids up to speed. I think uh after a couple years of that with the conversational Spanish they have they're going to be very very strong. >> Any other questions for the board? Now, I know the audience didn't have any comments, but I just want to make sure
022that we've been clear. Is there anybody that's come about the DLI program that has a question about what we're doing >> or would like to make a comment? I just want to clarify if the child is in sixth grade and will continue it's going to be the generally the same program next year or will it be different in for DLI? >> It they will not have two periods a day. They'll go down to one period >> for seventh grade. Right. For seventh grade, right? >> Yeah. That will continue. um we may see a mix of that seventh and and eighth grade group because the eighth grade group is is really small over a course of two periods which will allow those kids to have some flexibility u for some of the electives that they want
023to take. So for example, you know they were scheduled in a DLI second period but they also had let's say banned second period well that wouldn't work but now we would have some flexibility to be in you know another period to allow that elective to work. So, we feel pretty good about >> how many electives a day does a middle schooler get? >> Um, this would be >> generally two. >> Okay. >> And so, that has been one of the going for years as they get to sixth and seventh grade, they want those electives. And >> so, this will give student an opportunity to take >> correct >> choir or art. Yeah. >> Anything like that in addition to the their DOI class. >> Okay. That's something we've been trying to get figured out. >>
024Anyone else? >> Uh, so I have what will be an incoming fifth grader. Um, so he is uh in that unique position where he's not really had a Spanish teacher for an entire year. >> Um, for so for the incoming fifth graders, how how is that going to look? Is it because do they get the seven periods in a day like the sixth, seventh, and eth? >> Yeah, it's um essentially. Yeah, but they'll have one period worth of >> with Dr. I have a followup to that. So, fifth grade isn't the daylight isn't in one class all day or with >> it just one just one period is what they would have. fifth and sixth grade. Well, actually fifth, sixth, seventh eighth will each have one period in except two is what they've had in
025the past. >> But fifth grade remains in like the only one class where they move which would be their elective that they have to take otherwise they're in the same classroom between right now it's Mrs. legal. >> Yeah. So they're >> so we have four fifth grade uh teachers and those DLI kids will be have an opportunity to be spread across those four now because their DLI is going to come in social studies class science and social studies class that happens at the end of the day. So instead of being uh with those other classes um in English they will come from from those classes into that. So >> does that make sense to you? >> Yes, that does. Thank you. I think the kids will like being able to be spread apart some too
026because they've been with the same kids for for four years or five years. >> It's not so much a question, just kind of a general concern. I have a current first grader in the program. So, with them now being the last class to go through, I guess I worry about the quality of the experience that they'll get going forward. It sounds like you have a good plan for next year with them just switching to one teacher, but I guess how will that look as they then kind of move through? So, next year they would have um Mrs. Rossello, I think that's how you say her last name for both English and Spanish. >> And then the following year she would do third and fourth grade. So, it will be half and half just like it
027is. So, it's going to continue um until they leave OJ. >> Okay. >> That answers your question. >> Anyone else? Yeah. What was that? She decided she didn't want to ask her question. >> If I would have paid the same thing for the meeting, I would have found the answer. >> I have a question. So, are you saying that you don't want have district students because of like the education cost and >> No. No, absolutely not. Um, but that's just something that we do have to consider because someone said this is a money maker. Um, and there are other costs when we have out of district besides just it's not just the money we get from our ed fund. Um, if if we didn't want out of district, we would have cut transportation for that
028a long time ago. >> Are you out of district? >> Uh, we moved into empty district. >> No, we we want out of district. >> We want everyone. And how much I mean it's not like well you still need teachers for these kids right like so they not the costs for it right well as we as for next year we will lose a DLI teacher at OJ um which it's her third year next year will be her third year which is what they signed up for so that would be a teacher we just won't replace but Mrs. Rossello would go up to third and fourth grade with Mrs. Baker. Um, and then once they move out of OJ, we have plans of how we will continue to use them. Um, as we look at our
029class sizes, um, the English English teaching teachers, we are not getting rid of them because, you know, hopefully our enrollment we start seeing an increase and we're going to need them. Um, >> um, is there a point at which the class is too small and you decide not to have it anymore? Um, I mean, a lot of students would have to drop out for that to happen. Um, because right now our enrollment at OJ is is pretty decent. And once they get to the middle school, I don't think that would be an issue because we could always combine if needed. >> There's currently eight on the eighth grade class and we've serviced them. So, >> um, there are only 19 people in the third grade realized in total. >> So, if it gets down below
03010, would you have to would we have to quit because there weren't enough people? >> Like I said, once they get into the middle school, if it's four or five, we can still find a way to schedule it for them. I don't think that many are going to drop this year or next year for you. I think you'll still have >> I know there's going to be 18 people next year. >> Yeah. Usually >> that's a whole class. >> Yeah. The the the normal is um about 10% you lose each year. So if you start with 50, you might lose five. Then the next year you might lose five again and then four. So So if there's 19 in there, we might lose one or two each year, but over the course of the next
031few years, that would probably still be enough. We'll be okay. Okay. Anything else? Does everybody feel like they Okay. All those in favor of approving the recommendation to transition the DLI program out and implement a Spanish language Spanish language and culture for all class at OJ. Um say I >> I >> those opposed >> I. >> Thank you. Motion passes. >> New business. We have the high school student council update. >> Hi everyone. I'm Maya Howard. I'm the senior class president. And I'm Adri. I'm the senior class treasurer. Today we threw a little presentation together. It doesn't cover everything. >> So kind of person council, it is the end of the year, so we're kind of winding down on all the activities that we're planning and putting together, but we do still have some things
032going on. So we just had the elections for the upcoming year. So they voted on their overall student body president, vice president, all the other positions for their classes, and that vote is closed, but we will get the results tomorrow. So, we don't have them for you, but it is set up for next year. And then we will also have, this is kind of a senior class, but through student council, we do a senior sunrise and sunset. So, our sunset is coming up just as the year closes. So, the seniors can kind of get together. We're going to have a cookout just so that we can kind of have one last time as a senior class and just kind of hang out and relive some memories and whatnot. So, that's kind of all we have
033planned for students left. Um, a couple sports things that I know are coming up as we're getting close to sectionals as we're closing out the year. Um, track conference is this Friday at Alumni Field. That'll be a big event. There's lots of teams there. Um, I know senior night for tennis will be sometime next week. Yeah, that doesn't cover everything. Those are just a couple things. >> Yeah. And then some other things to note that's just happening at the school is we actually have our class is doing a partnership with another class. So our dual credit English class, we've been doing lots of learning about rhetoric and different arguments and whatnot. So we are actually partnering with the PECAP kids in their class to help them market their business because they have been working all
034this year or semester creating a business that they're going to sell produce or flowers at the local farmers market. So, we're kind of coming in just helping guide them in creating different stories for the advertisement, their different posters and posts on social media and whatnot to kind of just help them put their business out in the community. So, that's been something really cool that we're actually doing right now. We also have four more graduation. We're doing a lot of different things. We're doing a senior sign out and a memory slideshow that students are actually working to create. So, senior sign out, I don't know if you've seen it, but you kind of can make a video of you signing your name and just a fun way to close out your senior year. So, just saying,
035"This is who I am. I've been a part of this year and I'm glad to be here." And then we also have a memory slideshow, which we're putting together that just send pictures from when you were little with your friends and at school and whatnot. So, those will both play at graduation, but we're working on getting those put together. And then our end of year awards banquet is this year. So combining a lot of different things just for academic awards and recognitions I think scholarships as well. >> Yeah. >> And that'll be this Thursday. Yes. >> And we have 18 days left of school. >> Thank you. >> If any of the DI families, you don't feel like you have to stay. If you would like to go, please feel free or you can stay
036if you'd like. >> Item B, the board will be presented with mowing boats and estimated cost. You may want to stay for the mowing quotes. >> After review, recommend that the board approve moving forward with acquired quotes to replace our mowers and hiring a seasonal employee to do the mowing. I'll accept a motion. >> So, >> are we just presenting or are we voting? >> Okay, I'll accept a motion. So Jason, sorry. Second second discussion. >> So we did receive three proposals for mowing services. Um the quotes range from $1,100 to about $3500 per cut. Um and that was for all three of our school buildings and the baseball and softball field. So, we took these quotes and we estimated how much we would be spending over the next 10 years if we went with
037the outside company. And we looked at having um 20 uh cuts throughout the year. And that's going from April until actually it was 30 cuts April until the end of October. Um and so we calculated how much each of the companies would cost if we went with each of them. And then we went through um and looked at how much it would cost to replace our mowers and hire a seasonal employee. So someone that would work from, you know, about spring break until the end of October. Um and they would work for up to when we did the calculations, we did 29 and a half hours. Um, and so we have learned that doing this would be about $125,000 cheaper over the 10-year span. And I think it will be even we will see even
038more cost savings because I've been working with Bobby. He thinks that we can move one of our older mowers to LH and um, Lorna would be able to do the mowing there. I believe Tim already has a mower and he would be able to do it there. So, the person we hire, we would only need for probably up to 15 hours. Um, those additional hours we would come up with a small stipen to add to Lorna and and Tim for this extra work that they're going to be doing. Um, but I I do think that it's in our best interest to go ahead and get quotes for replacing our mowers and hiring a seasonal employee um to do the mowing. We do want to thank the three companies, Nates, Marble Labs, and Logan Swick Mowing
039for submitting their proposals. >> Questions from the board? Who owns the high school? Now, >> right now, our custodians are filling in and doing it. So, yeah. So, we don't have a dedicated person. >> Not right now. >> The only question I have is when we do look to get mowers, could we get larger than regular lawn like tractor? Yes, I'm seeing them out there. Wow, that's a lot of time. >> Yeah, we the one that is not working is a larger and so that's why you see them on the small. >> My chart was that size almost went down. Help me out. >> Okay. >> Anything else? >> All right. All those in favor of Dr. Sley's plan to replace the mowers >> and hire a seasonal employee say I. >> I. >> Those
040opposed. Motion passes. Item C, board to approve the issuance of an American Express purchasing card for employees at Gwenrich. >> So moved. Second. >> Discussion. So we're requesting this card for Mr. Winrich to use when he shapes the group going to Japan. We've done this with um both Mr. Chitten and um Miss Hudson when they went last year. um he will have to sign the card out prior to leaving the trip and he's required to sign the credit card policy. Upon returning from Japan, he checks a card back in at central office. >> Okay. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item D, board to approve the transfer of Madison Inman from a paraprofessional to the gym/PLTW teaching paraprofessional paraprofessional effective April 27th, 2026. >> So moved. >>
041Second discussion. We would like to move Miss Inman to the position that was vacated by Miss Metler. Um so she will actually be paid just the daily rate of a teaching parah through the end of this school year. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item E. Board app to approve the transfer request from Kelly Springer to move to OJ Neighbors bookkeeper to HARTI position for the 2627 school year. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> So we're excited to recommend Mrs. Springer for the high ability/RTI interventionist title position. Um, this is a shared position between OJ and LH. Mrs. Springer does have an elementary teaching license and is currently working on her high ability license. Um, I believe she will complete that. She has one course
042that she has to take in the fall and then will have her high ability license. Um, funding for this position comes from both our high ability grant and the title grant. Mrs. Springer salary will be determined once we get ver verification of previous years of experience. Um and at that time she'll be placed on our salary schedule based on um her years of experience. >> Although we be replacing her position then as bookkeeper. >> Thank you. >> The little domino effect happens. >> Yeah, that's I figured but I just didn't know. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion P passes. Item F. Board to approve. >> Actually, can we do G before F because I think that's kind of taking some I was confused. >> Okay. >> Board to
043approve Natasha Whitney as WHS PCAP math teacher beginning in the 2627 school year. >> So moved. >> Second. Discussion. So Mrs. Whitney. Um, this year she does have some math, but she also has some business classes. Um, she is going to move into the PCAP program. She'll be teaching the second year advanced manufacturing and first year PCAP biotechnology math classes. Um, she'll also have a couple sections of economics and we just appreciate her willingness to be flexible as we work through the scheduling process. >> Okay, any questions? Who is the math teacher right now? I said, "What does Justin Denny do in that program?" >> That's what he's doing now. >> He's doing math right now. And he'll stay in that math for um >> she his second teacher then? >> Uh no, in fact,
044he'll he's transitioning out um and have the to have all the PLTW classes that he's had previous. We do have a period in which he'll provide some uh some support to BCAT group because they have extensive experience in project based learning and expertise in that area. So, um, that's a good move. Yeah. >> Yeah. I just wondered how that was how that was going to go. Okay. >> Okay. All those in favor um of approving the transfer say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion passes. Now to item F or to approve Ben Becker as WHS business teacher beginning in the 2627 school year. So moved. >> Second >> discussion. >> So Mr. Becker will move into the business position. He'll take the classes that Mrs. Whitney had, which was some middle school business classes. Um
045and then there are some uh I believe preparing for college and careers. He has some of those that he will do. Um so with this move, it means that we will then need a special ed teacher at the middle school high school, which we'll get that posted ASAP. Now, I know Mrs. Whitney also teaches an algebra one class. >> Will Mr. Becker be teaching that as well? >> Uh, no. We were able to have somebody in our math department to handle that. Okay. Well, there's one extra section that um that is out of the math department. I think technically even though Justin Denny is a department chair in math, mostly he teaches PLTW, but but he does have a section of honors algebra 2 in that as well. And he's historically had I think for
046the past two years and really does a great job with that. So, >> okay. >> Fortunately, we're able to put everybody in into the math department. So, >> and Mr. Becker, what sort of >> license does he have? >> That's what I >> He currently has his special ed license. Um, however, he has worked in business in the past. So, we could we be able to get a workplace specialist license or we just have him practice for for that exam for that license. >> Okay. >> Just a test. >> Any other questions from the board? That's what I wondered about the licensing. Okay. All those in favor of approving the transfer say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item H. Board to approve Missy Epley as WHS long-term substitute teacher in math effective
047April 23rd, 2026. Mrs. Epley will be compensated at a sub substitute daily rate for 15 school days. She will then be compensated at first year teacher daily rate for the remainder of the school year. >> So moved. >> Second discussion. >> Mrs. Epley will fill in um for our recently vacated math position for the remainder of the year. She has served as a long-term sub for us earlier this year. Um the reason why she will go to firstear teacher pay is because she does have an emergency permit. Um if someone has that after 15 days they move to first year teacher pay. Um and we just appreciate her willingness to help us out as we finish the last 18 days of school. >> Does she have any sort of math in her lensure? >> Uh
048she has a masters in business administration. So there's a fair amount of math in that class >> and that degree. >> Are we replacing a math teacher? >> Yes. We have it posted. Okay. >> Okay. All those in favor um of approve approving the hire say I. >> Those opposed motion passes. Item I to approve the partial contract cancellation for Mr. Dave Bagley. Is it or is it Badgely? I don't know as WHS art teacher. >> So moved. >> Second >> discussion. Uh due to low enrollment numbers in a few of our art classes, we will be reducing Mr. backly to a 37s contract for the 26 27 school year. There is a legal process that must be followed to reduce a teacher's contract and we have followed that that process. >> So does that
04937s mean he's just teaching three classes? He's two two classes in a two class. >> What does he teach? Middle school art or what? >> No, he's mainly on our high school um art. So next year I'll have uh all the drawing one through four that's always been in one class and a photography section. >> So how so we only have a part-time art teacher at the high school? >> With the high school everything else is is done um with Mrs. Martin in the middle school. >> She also teaches >> she teaches high school kids too. So >> I'm sad though. Okay that that our art position is only needed for three periods. I think that's so sad. >> Yeah, it it's a product of a lot of things. Um there's a number one uh
050what we're also seeing is that uh I think this is misguided on the part of the state by by the state but um there's not a fine arts requirement for the the new diplomas. We encourage our kids to take art but a lot a lot of them are going into other electives and like we've seen we have about 48 of our freshmen went into family and consumer sciences um as an elective next year. So and that's a new thing for them to be able to take. So, it's just them taking different things. >> Um, sometimes it's the flavor of the week and and it's going to change for next year. >> So, I I kind of expect that will happen next year. >> So, what tell me again, you may have just said it. What
051art classes will he be teaching the next year? >> Yes, drawing. Yes. Um, that's one that's one through four. That's always been in one uh one section. So, no matter what the level, it's there. >> Okay. >> Um, and then photography. >> Okay. I wondered if photography was still offered. Okay. And then the middle school g has a lot of the what is she is there painting u what you know ceramics you know >> so she has the fifth and sixth grade art rotations and then there's a a seventh seventh grade section and eighth grade section then she has two left and those are high school so she does a introduction to 2D 3D and then advanced 2D 3D. >> Okay. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes.
052Item J, board to approve the contract cancellation of Angela Baleiff as WMHS 6th grade language arts teacher. Accept a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. Discussion. >> As a probationary teacher, the administrators have recommended to cancel Mrs. Baiff's contract. Um, we are allowed to do this for other good and just cause as well as for the best interests of the school. Um, just like with Mr. Bagley, there is a legal process that we have to go through to cancel a contract and we have followed that. Um, we'd like to miss wish Mrs. Biff uh good luck in the future. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion passes. MK board to approve Sierra Tresca as WMHS 6th grade ELA teacher beginning in the 26 27th school year. So move >> second
053discussion. >> Mrs. Tresca will transfer to the open sixth grade language arts position. She will need to acquire an emergency permit or take and pass the middle school practice um language arts test before next school year. >> What does she currently teach? industrial >> she has a business license but she's been actually filling in industrial technology to cover for Mr. Tyler while he was in PECAP. So, >> and she used to teach business for us. >> She did. Yes. She's also our varsity cheer sponsors. >> Okay. >> So, you can get an emergency permit or pass the practice. That's that's how that rolls in Indiana now. >> Yeah. Her intent is to u to take the test and just add that to her license. >> How long does an emergency permit last? One school year.
054>> Yeah. One school year. And it's renewable by those >> three. Yeah. If you show like so for someone like that if they show that they've attempted the test during that school year then we can renew it correspondingly. >> Okay. >> You said she had her masters. >> Yes, she has a MBA as well. Okay. >> Masters. I've got a lot of NBAs on her. >> So pay. >> All those in favor I'm sorry. No, you're right. >> Say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item L, board to approve an overnight trip for the boys basketball team to attend D1 camp at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana, June 17th through 19th, 2026. So moved. Second that >> discussion. As this is an overnight trip, our board is required to approve it. All of
055the expenses are paid for by the team. Um, and I believe this is a camp that our boys team has participated in for several years. >> Are these high schoolers? Yes. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Item M. Board to approve the following cheer coaches for the 2627 school year. Nicole Ferret, JB coach/varsity assistant. Alicia Galott, cheer volunteer. >> So moved. >> Second. Discussion. >> U. We just like to thank Mrs. Fert and Mrs. Galott for their willingness to work with our cheer squads. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed. Motion passes. Item N. Board to approve the following volleyball coaches. Sixth grade Eva Morris. Sixth grade assistant Jim Morris. Seventh grade JC Yaden. 8th grade Ashlin Cruz. JB Stacy Perro. Varsity assistant Chelsea Montgomery.
056Volunteer assistant Father Jay Horning. Summer help Riley Bogs, Maya Whitaker, Janique Stumbo, and Jade Stumbo. So moved. Second. >> So time to start getting ready for our fall sports. Um all of the coaches listed at the top, those were all coaches this year. So it's nobody new. Um and we just want to thank all of these individuals for their willingness to work in our volleyball program. All those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item O, board to approve Randy Leage and Darren Porter as behind the wheel driving instructors for the 26 drivers education program at a rate of $25 per hour. >> So moved. >> Second discussion. Uh Mr. Leage and Mr. uh Mr. Porter will again do the behind behind the wheel portion of drivers training. We want to thank
057them because I know this is something that I don't know that I ever would have wanted to do. So we thank them for training our future drivers. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed. >> Motion passes. Item P. Recommend the board approve the retirement of Dr. Amy K. Sibly at the end of this contract year. Her last statement of corporation will be June 30th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Um, I've always said that I want to leave my schools better than I found them. And I'm proud of what we've accomplished in my five years here. We have more opportunities for students. Our state assessment scores have increased. Um, financially, we're in a much better spot. Um, I know that there have been decisions that I've made that not everybody
058has agreed with, but I want everyone to know that I always had our students, teachers, staff, and our taxpayers best interest as one of my top priorities, and I've always considered the long-term implications of these decisions. Um, my husband and I have spent quite a bit of time over the past year discussing our future. Once we sell our house, we have decided we are going to move to Florida, which is a dream that we've had for many, many years now. Um, I still plan to do something in education. I don't know right now what that will be. Um, like I told our our staff, the beauty of our profession is that no matter where we go, we're needed. Um, and I just want to thank our past and present board members for always trusting me,
059always supporting me, and I'm still here until June 30th. So, I have a lot of things to get revved up before then. All those opposed say I. >> Okay. All those in favor of approving approving the retirement of Dr. Sibi say I. >> I. I say I with regret. >> With regret. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Um we will need a motion to approve um that she stays on our insurance either through the end of the year or until and if she gets a job in Florida in a school system. Um, that's part of her like a benefit. Do we need to make that an agenda next time? >> I think that'd be appropriate. >> Make an agenda item. >> Agenda item. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Next time. Item two, board to approve the following
060coaches. One, Bill Bennish as middle school co-ed soccer assistant for this season. Two, move Bill Bennis from boys varsity soccer assistant to volunteer assistant. and three, Matt Mandok as boys varsity soccer assistant for the 26th and 27th season. >> So move second discussion. >> So we'd like to thank Mr. Benish for coaching uh the middle school team this season and his time as the varsity boys head coach and assistant coach. Next year he's going to move into that volunteer position and Mr. Mock will then move into the varsity position. So we just appreciate his willingness to work with our student athletes. >> Great. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Motion passes. Item R, board to approve up to two bus drivers, drivers to be determined for transportation for the
061OJ neighbor summer remediation program at a rate of $96 per day. Once enrollment is finalized and we know how many students we are transporting, we will determine if one or two buses and drivers will be needed. >> So moved. Second. discussion. >> So, like you said, once we get our final summer school enrollments for OJ, um we'll review transportation request and determine if one or two drivers are needed. I personally hope that we have two because then that means we have filled all of our classes up to the 20. Um we do not get reimbursed for summer school transportation. However, when we create the budget, we always have included funds for that. So, it it's it's fine. Like I said, I hope that we need two drivers. Um, >> how soon, >> Mrs. Philippy? When
062do we when is we started enrollment? Right. We're hoping by the 20th of this month to have a final. >> And since we're we're doing this on our own this year, have we typically in the past been reimbursed? But >> we have been reimbursed through the Y. Yes. >> So in the future since I mean this was kind of more of a midy year aid to switch things up. Um maybe is there any transportation grants out there for educational purposes in the summer? >> There might be. Yeah. >> You have to get that done before you leave. >> Okay. Thanks. >> I'll let Mrs. Kelly know. >> I'm sure she'd love to write. Piece of cake. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item S. Board to approve Nick
063Costellar and Ian Petty to receive an extra week of work and pay at the daily rate to work on a one-on-one refresh for students and staff. >> I mean, second >> discussion. So, we're requesting approval for both Mr. Hostetler and Mr. Petty to work an extra week. That would be 40 hours each. Um, and that's going to give them time to get all the new devices that come in, get them set up for students for next year. >> Do we know when those are arriving? >> Um, we have already received the staff uh laptops and we believe iPads should be coming in like in the next week or so. Um but right now they are spent they will spend the majority of their time one as teachers turn in their laptops getting them their new
064laptops. Um and also when we collect the iPads the last week week and a half of school we have to get them inventoried and wiped and ready to be sent out on June 1st. So yeah there's they're working that's what their main focus is right now. So we get that money back from that sale. Okay. >> All those in favor say I. >> Those opposed. >> Motion passes. Items from superintendent. >> Ted one. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> It's okay. >> Okay. It's been a long board meeting. I'm sorry. Item T. Board to approve the following summer school teachers for WHS. Amy Oswalt, Sean Eer, and Josie Philippine. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. So the middle school high school summer school will be June 1st through June 25th, and they'll go Monday through
065Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30. The teachers will work 8 to 11:30. Mrs. Oswalt and Mr. Eer will serve as our high school summer school teachers. And I believe this is the third year in a row that they've done that. um we are reimbursed for they've changed the way they do funding. It used to be that we just submitted how much we paid the teachers and then we might get a portion of that back. What they're doing this year is we will get reimbursed for each student that earns a credit and has a 90% attendance rate and we can be reimbursed for up to four credits per student. So, we we have a student that comes in and we can have them doing two classes um and they can earn two credits, we'll get double
066funding on that. >> Um Mrs. Philippy will be our middle school teacher. Um and they've always done math and language arts. For the middle school, we're reimbursed for the students that have 90% attendance rate. Um and summer school teachers are paid $35 an hour for summer school. your questions from the board. >> Is this all online? >> Uh, high school we use Edenum, but then they also do like they have the teachers that they can work on, help them while they're in the classes. >> How many students do we normally have in summer school? >> Um, high school has been up to 40 in the past. Okay. But >> middle school seems like it's usually around 20 to 30. >> I think we're on par for 25 this year. Okay. >> Are these usually students
067making up a class or would they be taking something new and just you know what I mean? Like I'm only I'm not making up biology and taking it during the summer. I mean, is this how does that usually work? >> Credit recovery. >> It's just credit recovery >> for the most part. Yeah. For most school students that struggle in math and English. On occasion, we'll have uh high school students that that can't fit like a health class um in their regular schedule. So, they may take it that way. Um it just depends and >> okay, >> if things don't fit. >> Thank you. All those in favor of approving the summer school teachers say I. >> Those opposed. Motion passes. Items. Um first I want to give a huge shout out to Mr. Ireland and
068Mrs. France and all of the students uh middle school and high school students for their amazing performance of The Little Mermaid. I will admit I have never seen that movie. And so I was like, "Oh, this is really good." But yeah, it was fabulous. Um so kudos to all of them. This week is teacher appreciation week. And to say thank you to all of our employees, the district will be providing milk and cookies to all of our buildings on Thursday. Uh this Thursday, um like student council me mentioned, the high school has a night filled with student recognition. They have the WHS awards starting at 6, followed by the NHS induction ceremony, academic awards, and then the senior scholarship ceremony. Um prom is this Saturday at the Honeywell. So I hope all of our students
069have a great time, make good memories, and good decisions. Mhm. >> Um, and next Tuesday, May 12th, is the OJ Neighbors reenactment. This is put on by our fourth grade classrooms. Um, it's open to the public from, I believe, 4:00 to 5:30. Um, the rain date is Wednesday, May 13th. So, we hope that we have, uh, many community members come out and experience our fourth grade students bring history alive. Items from administrators. >> Thank Dr. sibly uh for her service to Wet City Schools. I think um it's superintendent position is very very difficult. Uh and then when you're faced with financial challenges that uh that she was faced with um she didn't let anything down. I mean there's still a focus on students and a focus on curriculum and leading our school corporation. Nothing got
070put on the back burner and that's commendable. So thank you. >> Yes. Thank you for all your hard work and um leading with integrity and grace all these five years. You've really impacted our district and I know me personally, I'm sure too. >> Other items for visitors. >> I just want to say when I looked at the agenda and then there were revisions, I hope I was hoping item P would disappear, but it didn't. I know that was probably in your plan. Um, just a suggestion. Maybe you keep your home here in Waw Bash and just snowbird. >> That's what I told her. >> Spring training in Florida. Get back here because Wash is closer to Detroit to watch the Tiger. Florida is >> we we actually thought about Michigan. And after this last winter,
071I told my husband, I am not going anywhere where there's snow. So, come back. See you. We have a a mowing position. I think that's true. >> But I wish you well. Um, having been the city council's leaison to the school board under two different administrations, I've seen tough times, good times, and it's, you know, like hills and valleys. But even through the referendum era where that failed and then enrollment shot up. So, the referendum was kind of a new point. But still, the focus back then was finances as it is present day. I know there's more work to be done. I'm disappointed that you won't be here to to lead us through that, but I wish you well. >> Thank you. >> Items for board members. >> Joan. >> Okay. We supposed to have
072that ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday, but it's been postponed. So guys, don't be out there looking for us in those blue shirts. We won't be over there >> for the pickle ball courts. >> Yes, pickle ball courts. There's something that's not going. It's not quite happening yet, but we'll let you know when that's going to happen. Um, if you want to come to the park board meeting, it's this coming Wednesday at 7 o'clock >> here. >> Yeah. Um, I'm sorry. It's next Wednesday. >> It's on the 13th. Yes. Right here, >> Jane. Um, I just want to say thank you. I know that people don't understand what you do behind the scenes. um and being on the board the last two and a half years, um I'm amazed at the amount of work you've put
073in and are still here. Um but I wish you nothing but the best going forward and I hope we hear from you. So congratulations on your retirement. Thank you, >> Jason. >> Yeah, I echo um we came in here the same time. So um we've gone through a lot and uh still have work for us to go through, but it's time for you to move on and I don't blame you. Um, we worked you pretty hard and you stayed through it and I really appreciate it, especially after you saw where our finances were after you got hired on and you still stayed with us. Um, that's commendable just that alone. Um, so really appreciate everything you've done. Um, you've maneuvered just as much as we've asked other people to maneuver. You've asked teachers to maneuver.
074we just alone tonight listening. It's like this person's going here and that person's there and and they're switching at the same time. It's it's amazing how we how far we've gone and how how where we are now and and just um it's really cool. I appreciate everything >> I did on all that. I um this has been um kind of a bitter board meeting for me. I hate to see any program get changed around, but if we can't do it in an excellent fashion, then we need to pivot and do something else. And um it's good to hear, you know, when I thought about when you were talking about art, you know, you think, well, the enrollment has dropped and I remember when, you know, that kind of thing. And that always makes it a
075little bit harder for me because I think, well, I remember when, but we've got other things that we offer the kids and we're growing that way. And that's really wonderful. You've been really fantastic. Um, if I had seen if I'd been in your shoes and seen the finances after he got here, the for sale sign would have gone up and I'd let my boats and g up by the light of them, I truly would have. that you have really really set a high bar for the next superintendent. You you were in the black and um with the passing of Matt, that was such a difficult time and you assumed the business manager role and I didn't you didn't complain once. It was just put your head down and move forward and I really appreciate your
076work ethic, your humor and your grace. And I really wish you think about that mowing job. It's there for you. We got you for comes with a suntan, too. >> Um, I am going to reserve my comments about your retirement until your last meeting. So, I can have everything written out, say what I want to say without hopefully without balding. Um, I will say that um, Dr. simply has agreed to help us in our superintendent search. I think her wisdom on this will be invaluable because she knows all the ins and outs of things that, you know, we need. Um Jason and I have been through a superintendent search before. Um so while we don't look forward to it, we'll be fine. Um the job will be posted by the end of the week on
077our website and what was the Nimble site? Okay. Um, so hopefully we get a lot of good qualified candidates. As Connie said, this will be a hard one to hard one to fill because we I feel like we've got the best right now. So with that, we'll adjourn. Thank you.