001It's 6:00. This is the Wabash City Schools Board of Board of Education meeting um for Monday, April 6th. Roll call. All board members are present. I have a quorum. I call the meeting to order. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. >> [snorts] >> Wabash City Schools provides a relevant, rigorous education centered upon relationships to ensure each student is college and career ready for success in the global community. Welcome. Tonight's recognitions are the OJ Neighbors Kathy Swan Awards. Good evening, and thank you everyone for being with us tonight. Tonight we get to honor, recognize, and celebrate four very special OJ students with the Kathy
002Swan Award. Um I was never personally didn't personally know or work with Kathy, but what I do know is the award um that these students are receiving tonight rep- are representative of their personal gains as they work through some personal tough times, and how they have overcome those times, and continue to thrive and show how wonderful of people students they really are. So, we have our first grade with Vanessa Daughtry here, and Mr. Keenan Cole. >> [laughter] [clears throat] [laughter] >> Today I am excited to recognize a very special seventh grade boy. Keenan is just the sweetest boy. He's always thinking about others, and can recognize when someone else is not having the best of days. He will just give them a squeeze, and ask them if they are okay. When walking down the hall,
003>> [snorts] >> I'll feel a gentle hands hand grabbing mine. And if I ask him to do something different, or try something again, he'll instantly say, "Sorry." And in the sweetest voice, because he is always striving to do his best and please everybody. Keenan has an amazing imagination. He is artistic and loves to craft. I will get random messages from his mom that says Keenan insisted on showing Mrs. Daughtry his impressive LEGO creations. >> [laughter] >> He was also the cutest Mickey Mouse for our dress like a favorite character day. He was beaming with pride when he came in with his Mickey Mouse ears he and his mom worked so hard on. He is wonderfully silly, and makes people smile. One of his favorite things to do is give Mrs. Daughtry back scratches. check, he'll
004say, "Smart, right?" >> [laughter] >> Keenan, the answer is absolutely yes. You are smart. You are smart in how you build, how you create, how you work, and how you care about others. You show us that being smart isn't just about answers, it's about effort, imagination, and kindness. Congratulations, Keenan. I am blessed beyond the words to be your teacher this year. >> [applause] [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS, KEENAN. >> [laughter] >> OUR SECOND GRADE recipient will be presented by Melissa Lang, and that is Mr. Reese Burris. >> [applause] >> Right here. Perfect. So, thank you for joining us. I'm honored to be celebrating Reese with you. He's a very special student. Um Reese is someone who reminds all of us what true growth and heart looks like. In the past, he has faced challenges that might have
005made others want to give up, but not Reese. Instead, he shows us what it means to keep trying, to keep learning, and to keep working on getting better every day, even when it feels tough. This year, um we've had the chance to watch wonderful things happen. He has begun to grow, not just as a student, but as a whole person. He's developing emotional maturity, learning how to handle big feelings with strength and patience. He is building self-control, making thoughtful choices, learning to advocate for himself, and showing us that progress doesn't happen all at once. It comes step by step, day by day. Academically, he is growing amazingly. His reading skills are awesome. He is getting better and better. The other day, Mrs. Draper said, "I can't believe it. He did so good." And we got
006to celebrate. He is putting in the effort, and it shows. Um his success is hard-earned, and gained through determination and hard work. But, what really truly makes him shine is his heart. He is kind to his classmates. He notices when someone needs help, and he's quick to offer it. He reminds us that being a good friend brings joy to all. And if you really want to get to know Reese, you just have to listen to his stories, especially stories about those he treasures most, his mom, his brother, and his cats. And as you listen, you will hear how deeply he cares. And once you are one of Reese's people, he stays very loyal. Miss Kelly, Mr. Clancy, Mrs. Brain, we all know that. He loves us deeply, and we love him right back. And today
007we get to celebrate not just how far you've come, but the incredible person you're continuing to become. And I'm so excited for all the wonderful things that you're going to keep doing. We are so proud of you. >> [applause] >> REESE, RIGHT HERE. THIS IS for you. Congratulations. Our third grade recipient will be presented by Mrs. Stacy Frye, and that's Mr. Daniel Wilcox. It is my honor to present this year's third grade Kathy Swan Award to a truly deserving student. Daniel is not always the loudest in the room, but he is one of the most consistent, resilient individuals I've ever had the privilege of teaching. Throughout his time at OJ, he has faced personal challenges that could have easily held him back, but instead, he's grown in quiet strength, perseverance, and determination. In the classroom,
008he is always engaged. He listens carefully, and almost always volunteers to answer, or to read a passage out loud, even when it's hard. I can always count on him to run an errand, whether he's in the mood to or not, he always will do it for me. What stands out even more than those awesome characteristics is his intention on helping and including others. He notices when students are left out, or are struggling, without making a scene or asking anybody to notice. He often will check in, and make sure everybody in the room feels included and happy. In our building, third graders lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and this is just a story I wanted to share about [clears throat] a recent awesome moment about Daniel. So, it is Daniel's turn to lead the Pledge of
009Allegiance, as well as another student in my class who was new to our building. And the other student wasn't quite sure he wanted to go down. And he's kind of standing in the doorway, and Daniel's waiting. Like, "We got to get down there." And he's looking at me, I'm looking at the other student, and I was like, "I think you should go." And Daniel just looks at him and goes, "I really want you to do the pledge with me. Let's go." And the other student smiled broadly, and they walked away, and Daniel turns around and gives me a thumbs up. He didn't need anybody else to know, he just knew what that student needed. You make others feel included without drawing any attention to yourself. You lead by being dependable and compassionate. I'm very proud
010of the growth that you've shown this year, as well as your whole time here at OJ Neighbors. Congratulations, DANIEL. >> [applause] >> AND FOURTH GRADE RECIPIENT WILL BE PRESENTED by Sarah Kirkpatrick, and that is Mr. Dawson Gibson. Um today I have the honor of recognizing a student who truly represents growth, character, and determination. In our classroom, we talk a lot about perseverance and what it means to keep going even when things are difficult. Dawson is a quiet example of that every single day. He doesn't make a big deal out of it, but in the way he approaches challenges, keeps trying, and continues to grow, he shows that us what purpose perseverance Sorry, perseverance period. Oh my goodness. Perseverance really means. Um Dawson is honest, thoughtful, and always striving to make the best choices. He's the
011kind of student who asks for advice because he truly wants to learn and do what's right. That says so much about his character. Over the course of this school year, I've watched him grow in incredible ways. He has worked hard to understand himself and how he learns best and how and he continues to push himself up to be better each day. He shows up every day with the goal of becoming the best version of himself. At such a young young age, he recognizes how important his everyday choices and work ethic affects his future. His creativity, positive attitude, and that great smile all bring so much joy to our classroom. It is my pleasure to present this award to Dawson for his perseverance, his growth, and the example he sets for all of us here at
012OJ Neighbors. >> [applause] >> And if I could ask the four students to come back up for a minute, um we have Mrs. Fager who uh we work really hard at [cough] OJ in developing the whole child, um working with students Come on up here, buddy. Not just academically, but socially and um Mrs. Fager who works with all of our kids throughout the building has worked with each one of these boys individually and as a group, and she has some things that she also wanted to share tonight for the students. Okay, first I need to start by saying that it takes a special person for me to volunteer to speak in front of grown-ups. I can talk to kids all day, but the second I have to talk in front of a group of adults,
013I'm nervous. But hey guys, what rule is that for our group? Does anybody remember? Be Awesome. Brave [laughter] and confident, that's right. I knew the moment that I saw the nominees for this year's Kathy Swan Award that I had to say something for all four of these special guys. They're all my kids. I tell the students, once I work with you, whether it's 5 minutes or 5 years, you'll always be one of my kids. I'm Mrs. Fager, by the way, and I get the opportunity to work with students for a variety of different reasons. I often get the question, what do you guys do? In my room, we learn about feelings, regulating those feelings, and most importantly, we play. With that comes self-awareness, social skills, peer interactions, and relationship building. Little do my students know,
014they are teaching me and their peers some of the most important life lessons they may get. I'm truly inspired by all of my kids' stories, and I hope they all know how proud I am of them. Although I've only worked with Keenan for a short time, I'm so proud of his courage and bravery. I pass him every morning in the hallway. He doesn't say anything, sometimes he smiles, and I think maybe twice he's waved. On a particularly tough morning, Keenan came down the hall as usual, and he mentioned a few words to another teacher. She told me that how that was different for him and asked if I could check in with him. While doing this, Keenan showed incredible courage and bravery by advocating for not only himself, but others as well. He knew something
015was off and that reporting it was the best thing. When he comes to my room in the mornings, he comes in and says, "What are we doing today?" And I always say, "What do you think we should do, Keenan?" And every time he says, "Mhm, maybe we have a party." >> [laughter] >> And I say, "Well, I was thinking maybe we could read this story or we would do this activity." And each time he lights up with the same excitement as if I had said, "Yes, we're having a party." I can always count on Keenan to show up, be true, and make me smile. I have an even funnier story that I could share later if anyone wants to hear it. >> [laughter] >> Keenan, you are so brave, strong, and true. And then there's
016Reese. Reese came to us last year, and when he came to us, he did not have a great relationship with school. He shared that he hated his old school and he wouldn't be going back there. Over the last couple of years, I've seen him work through that relationship. We've had many chats and sorted out different situations. We've sat in the hallway, on the floor, even under some tables to work through some tough things. And now I'm seeing him walking in with a smile and greeting adults on his way to class. He always has a funny story to share and a great memory. He knows each and every toy car in my office and notices when one has been added or questions where that one specific car has gone. He will also share that Mrs. Fager
017needs two cups all day to make it through. >> [laughter] >> Reese, I'm so glad that you're here with us at OJ Neighbors, and I love to see your smile. And Daniel. We've been working together for a while. I remember the first time that I met Daniel, he was in the hallway outside the classroom. I and I said, "Hi, I'm Mrs. Fager, what's your name?" And he's he did this. >> [laughter and clears throat] >> And I thought, "Okay." For a while, that's how our conversations went, and I and I told myself, "This is going to be a challenge. This little guy had a wall so high that it might take years to break through." Daniel has had amazing group of teachers and administrators to help chip away at his wall. Little by little, we
018saw him begin to shine. I remember once in the hallway, Mrs. Daughtry and I celebrated that Daniel picked up a classmate's pencil and put it on her desk. This was a huge progress as that same situation may have gone quite differently a few months prior. While Daniel is still not a man of many words, he does raise his hand to share, offers to help others, and is a great leader not only in our group, but in other places around the school. I would also like to offer Daniel the position of bathroom monitor >> [laughter] >> rather than bathroom floater. Another story from Mrs. Daughtry. >> [laughter] >> Daniel, I'm so proud of the growth you've shown not only within yourself, but socially and academically. And Dawson. I've known Dawson for a long time in and
019out of sight of school, but we really only started working together a few years ago. Dawson's always had a quiet, pensive way about him. He didn't share a lot with me at first, he was just business and back to class. We've had many times of sitting together just to feel things out. One of my methods is to keep planting seeds and knowing that someday those seeds will bloom. Somewhere between third and fourth grade, Dawson did just that. He bloomed. He had the confidence to speak up for himself. Not only did he speak up for himself, he began to speak out for others as well. His mom and teacher and I joked that he figured out how to speak up and there was no stopping him. He would come to me and tell me of things
020that happened in second or third grade, times that he had said something or did something that maybe upset someone or offended someone, and we would have to work through that. We can't go back and change it cuz it was 2 years ago, but we can change it now and for the future. Dawson, your confidence has grown tremendously, and please never stop speaking up for others, but most importantly, yourself. I'm so proud of each of you and cannot wait to see what other accomplishments you achieve. Always remember that you are brave, strong, and most importantly, loved. Keep being amazing and keep being you. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Oh, yeah. One thing I do want to add is it is so neat to sit and watch our teachers as each student is recognized cuz I can make
021eye contact with those first grade, second grade teachers who are just glowing today Yes. Is everybody in? >> [laughter] >> Yeah, let's get Mr. Crooked. >> [laughter] >> Awesome. >> [applause] >> Those of you who are here for the Kathy Swan Awards are welcome to stay or feel free to leave if you like. We don't expect you to stay for the whole meeting. Unless you want to. Like if you have homework you got to do that. I mean, you're welcome to stay, but I don't want you to leave. Okay. How are you? Very good. That's great. Yep. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Item G is revisions. We've got revision uh 4 and through S and H3A and we are going to table item three until our April 20th, 2026 board meeting. Is there anyone in the
022audience that wishes to comment on an agenda item? Consent agenda. We have minutes from March 16th, 2026. There's some claims and donations. We are to approve an anonymous donation for the robotics team for the robotics world championship. Nice. Thank you. And there are no financials tonight. I'll accept a motion on the consent agenda. So moved. Second. All those in favor of approving the consent agenda say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. The next regular board >> like to thank the anonymous donation for our robotics team. Um the the the money that we did collect from donations will be used to help offset the travel costs for the families getting out to St. Louis. Thank you. >> [snorts] >> The next regular scheduled board meeting will be Monday, April 20th, 2026 at L.H. Carpenter Early Learning
023Center at 6:00 p.m. There's some items of communication. >> [clears throat] >> There's no old business tonight. New business. We are to approve our proposed one-to-one technology refresh of students and staff devices. I'll accept a motion. >> So moved. Second. Discussion. So it is time to refresh our technology for both our students and our staff. We will continue to have one-to-one iPads for students in first through seventh grade. Um kindergarten classrooms will have eight iPads per classroom that will allow for station work. Um new for this year our students that are in eighth grade through 12th grade, they are going to be issued an Apple MacBook Neo. It is a new um MacBook that's geared really for education purposes. It's superior to an iPad for being able to create, type essays, managing complex files and
024it really prepares students for college-level work. Um most of our staff will be issued MacBook Airs while some will also receive the Neos. Um instructional staff also have the option to receive an iPad. All of our staff devices will be paid for from our bond proceeds and that will be $184,552. The student devices will be purchased through a four-year lease agreement through Apple. And so the total for the student devices, cases and insurance will be $738,802.25. So our annual payment will be right around $165,000. Um our first payment to Apple and then the insurance for the Neos, that comes from a different company, not through Apple, will be covered by the amount that we receive for selling back our current devices. So we'll sell back all our current iPads and our MacBooks um teachers have
025[clears throat] and that will cover the first payment and then the annual payments that we have remaining will come from our annual curricular materials money that we get from the state. So I felt good about this. It's something that we can plan for for the future. Um I do have Mr. Bale here if you have any questions that I can't answer. He really was the leg man on looking at how much what we needed to order um and then getting the the prices um and the buyback quotes. Are there any questions from the board? I have a question. Uh so I'm assuming the cost is going to be a little bit higher given we're going to do iPads and computers for eighth grade on up. How much more variation is that compared to just iPads
026across the board? It's actually pretty comparable. Um the Neo is like $494 per device and [clears throat] iPad with case and insurance Well, with the cases and insurance come together as a package, that's $513. >> Oh, wow. So it's really comparable. Um the $494 doesn't include the insurance for those. Okay. I want to say it's $129 per device. So that's really the difference in the cost. Sure. Okay, but we are getting insurance and stuff. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Cool. Um yeah, the other question I had, uh it may not be for you. Uh are we getting para paras teach um as well iPads or are we not? I mean this. Okay. Teaching paras. >> Teaching teaching paras the paras in general are not. Okay. Um my question was in kindergarten classrooms, how many do we
027currently have? Going Are we going down to eight or do >> Yes, they currently have one for every student. >> Okay. And so we're doing a set of eight. So like I said, they can do rotations and have them set up where the kids go over and Okay. Is that how is like e-learning going to look for them then? Or is it just going to do paper or do they do they not take those home? They don't take them home currently. Okay. Will any of the old ones be available for students to purchase? Not the iPads. Uh we have to sell those. We get a much better price with a bulk amount uh than if we individually were to sell some and that would lower our amount. Okay. Uh the the MacBooks, the price we
028get doesn't really matter whether we're selling five or 170. So we're allowing staff to purchase their own if they choose to. So. Anything else? Just as a note, the students can buy the refurbished uh from uh well, depending on who we go with to sell it, from the company. Uh they'll actually refurbish them, fix them and they guarantee them for a year. It's a little bit of an increase in cost, but worth it in my opinion to get that guarantee. Do we get any extra chargers with these? All devices are we get one charger to the student. Uh one and then if they break, lose or damage that, it's on them to to replace that. And that's That's been that way I think for a couple rounds of refreshing. Do you have those available in
029the offices where you >> We don't We don't We're not a reseller of those. But you can you can buy those anywhere. Gas stations, Walmart, CVS. >> [laughter] >> We provide a list. Anything else? Okay, the kindergarteners eight per room and then first through seventh they each get an iPad. Okay, and then the computers eight through 12. This is for the students taking virtual dual credit courses and higher level >> Oh, yeah. I I get that. Okay, I just wanted to be The iPads do work Yeah. >> okay, but when you're doing between apps, which a lot of the dual credit courses require, it gets a little messy. No, I I couldn't imagine not having uh computers for dual credit kids. I Yeah, that's Yeah. I just wanted to be sure. And the reason is
030because the Apple discontinued their student uh MacBook. They used to used to make an 11-in model that was around $600, um a little more affordable. It was a while ago, I can't remember those years ago, but they discontinued that and they only have the more expensive MacBook Airs that we buy and that just isn't feasible. Yeah. So they they introduced this. Of course, if they waited until we were about two months into this plan to release it. We had to revamp everything. Uh but I think it'll work out well. Okay. Okay, all those in favor of approving the proposal say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item C, board to approve the hiring of Mrs. Jen Miller as the principal of L.H. Carpenter beginning July 1st, 2026. Mrs. Miller will be on a 210-day administrative
031contract at the beginning salary of $70,000. I'll accept a motion. So moved. >> Second. Discussion. Um we are excited to recommend Mrs. Miller. [clears throat] I'm going to have her stand up. She's with us tonight uh as the next principal of L.H. Carpenter. She has spent the last five years in Warsaw Community Schools uh where she taught and served as an instructional coach. I think our paths crossed. I came from there when you went. Um prior to that, she was a teacher at O.J. Neighbors and um she was unanimously selected by the interview committee and we believe she'll be a great addition to L.H. Carpenter and we would like to welcome her back to Wabash City Schools. >> [applause] >> All those in favor of approving the hire say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes.
032Do you want to say anything? It's good to be back home. I'm ex- particularly excited. My daughter Luke with her head her two years in a row and she's wonderful. So I'm excited to have her back. Item D, board to approve Megan Handy as WMHS special education teacher for the 2026 through 2027 school year. So moved. Second. Discussion. Uh Miss Handy currently works as a para at the middle school high school. She has a bachelor's degree and reach recently received her special education licensure uh in Indiana. So we are excited for her to join the special education staff at the middle school high school. I looked at her resume. It Was she home schooled and then went to high school? No, she didn't go to Wabash. She was a student at Wabash High School prior
033to leaving the state. Oh, was she? I didn't know that much. Oh, [laughter] okay. I didn't see that on there. Okay. All those in favor of approving the hire say I. I. I. Those opposed? I abstain. Motion passes. Item E, board to accept the resignation of Silvia Santa Cruz Collado as WMHS DLI teacher. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um Mrs. Santa Cruz Collado has decided to return to Spain. Um this was in the best interest of their family, so we want to wish her and her family nothing but the best in their future. All those in favor of accepting the resignation say I. I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. This next one, since we tabled it last time, we're going to need to table this as well. Um I'll accept a motion to table item F,
034the which is approving a Spanish language and cultural for all teaching position or a teaching para position for OJ Neighbors. So moved. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item G, board to accept the resignation of the following classified staff. One, Kandy Kugler as transportation assistant effective April 6th, 2026. Mrs. Callahan will assume these responsibilities and will begin receiving this assignment. And two, Lori Gunderman as part-time paraprofessional at OJ Neighbors effective March 26th, 2026. I'll accept a motion. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um Mrs. Callahan has taken over the transportation assistant responsibilities. This mainly included the scheduling of the extracurricular um and athletic trips, uh extracurricular athletic and field trips. Um when Mrs. Callahan took over as our transportation director, Mrs. Kugler was doing it and she just kind of wanted
035to wait and make sure that she knew what she was doing as a transportation director, but she said she can absolutely do that now. So we will move that stipend um to Mrs. Callahan. At the beginning of the next year, my recommendation is that we just remove the stipend and add it to her transportation director salary. Um we want to thank both Mrs. Kugler and Mrs. Gunderman for their time and service. They both um are greatly appreciated. All those in favor of accepting the resignation say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item H, board to approve the following extended leaves. Number one is an employee 12551 extending their leave to May 1st, 2026. And number two is extending and updating leave for employee 150202 from February 10th through March 26th, 2026. She will return on
036Monday, April 6th, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um I recommend both of these medical leaves be approved. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item I, board to approve Adam Miller as a long-term long-term substitute for employee 12551 from April 6th through May 1st, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? So our current long-term sub was not able to extend extend her time with us. Um we want to thank her for the time that she did give us. Um and we are thankful that Mr. Miller Mr. Miller is willing to take over the class. He has done quite a bit of subbing at both OJ and LH and I've heard nothing but good things about [clears throat] him. So we're glad to have him for the next month. Okay. All those in favor
037say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. J, board to approve the 2026 summer food service program. The following employees to work as needed at their hourly or daily rate or sub pay or stipend. Megan Harold, 40 hours. Justin Turner, 40 hours. Britney Judy, 37 and a half hours. Linda Miracle, 30 hours. Shelly Ford, 25 hours. Tina King, 22 hours. And Maria Rodriguez, 12 and a half hours. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um Mrs. Harold has assessed the needs to run our summer food service program. She again has reduced the amount of hours as compared to previous years. We thank her for her continued work to cut costs in the food service program. We also want to thank um these individuals for their willingness to work in the summer so our students have continued access to breakfast
038and lunch during the summer months. Will they be going out to LaGrange this year? Um I don't I don't know. I will have her give us something so we can get it out so we know where exactly they're going to be at LaGrange. All those in favor of approving say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item K, board to approve the WMHS robotics team to travel to St. Louis, Missouri for the three-day 2026 Vex Robotics World Championship. Travel and stay occurs between the dates of March 26th to March 30th, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um we're excited to have a team participating in the Vex Robotics World Championship. Um they will be traveling out of state and it's overnight, so we're required to have the board approve this trip. The district has paid the registration
039team for the fee. Um so I know that they are working uh to raise money to cover their travel expenses. Isn't that date wrong? Yeah, it should be April I wonder, yeah. 26th to Yeah, I believe so. Okay. All right. Yeah, April 26th >> Good catch. I just read what's written. >> [laughter] >> Let me and uh no, April 26th to 30th. Okay. Okay, that's what I meant. That's why I was confused. Say it's a little past 2:00. >> [laughter] >> All those in favor of approving the trip, April 26th through April 30th, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item L, board to approve the use of the middle high school facility for a first responders youth camp on June 8th through June 12th, 2026. Activities will take place outdoors weather permitting. I'll accept
040a motion. So moved. Second that. Discussion? Um Officer Hitz and will again be working with a variety of groups to offer the first responders youth camp. They did this last year. Um this is open to any student in the county. And I recommend that we approve the use of our facility with the rental costs um waived for that week. Okay. Is it Our insurance covers this? Yes. Is it just outdoors? They as long as it's nice, they go outside. Yeah, okay. They're in the gym. So they're not in the They'll start in the gym for just a brief bit and then they go outside for most of it, yeah. All those in favor of approving um say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item [clears throat] M, board to approve offering drivers education for the
041summer of 2026 at a cost of $400 per enrollee. Students may also opt for the online classroom portion for $40 or the behind the wheel portion for $360. So moved. Second. Discussion? So we again would like to offer drivers training this summer. Um our costs remain the same um as last year. The students can elect to just take the classroom portion, the driving portion, or they can do both. Um once this is approved, Mrs. Callahan will get info out to our families. I believe Mr. Porter and Mr. LePage have both committed to doing the driving portion of the class. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. N, board to approve the following teachers for Watch Me Grow summer program from June 1st through June 19th, 2026 at $35 per hour.
042Keisha Wright, Melissa Lang, Stacy Fry, Jenny Baker, Jed Phillips, Marcus Clancy, Lynn Key Faber, Brock Ireland, Barb Morgan, and Britney Baker. I'll accept a motion. So moved. Discussion? Did we get a second? Second. I'll second. [clears throat] >> [laughter] >> Discussion? Um these teachers will teach our summer school program here at OJ this year. We appreciate their willingness to give up part of their summer to help our students uh learn and grow. We will most likely be reimbursed for the second and third grade teachers um from the state for the summer I read remediation. And then we will be partially reimbursed for the remaining teachers. We just don't know how much that will be at this time. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? I abstain. >> I abstain. >> [laughter] >>
043Motion passes. Item O, vote to approve the following pair of professionals for watching grow summer program from June 1st through June 19th, 2026 at $12 an hour. Spencer Brown, Tiffany Flaw, Adrian Adrian Palfrey and Shannon Strickland. So moved. Second. Discussion? So these ladies will serve as paras for our summer school program at OJ. Um each one will be assigned to a certain grade level and they'll be with the classroom teacher in the morning and then with the um special teacher in the afternoon. Again, just like our teachers, we should be reimbursed fully for the paras that work in second and third grade classrooms and partially for the remaining paras paras. Uh we just want to thank these ladies as well for giving up some of their summer to work with our kids. All those in
044favor, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item P, [clears throat] vote to approve hiring Madison Inman as a preschool para para professional at a rate of $12 per hour beginning April 7th, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? Um this is Miss Inman will fill an open para position at LH for the remainder of the year. We're thankful to welcome her back to LH even if it is just for a short time. Okay. All those in favor of approving the hire, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item Q, vote to accept the resignation of Angel Hostetler as Hostetler as middle school cheer coach effective April 6th, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? Uh we'd like to thank Mrs. Hostetler for serving as our middle school cheer cheer coach for I think many years. All those in
045favor, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item R, vote to approve the retirement of Matt Stone at as chief operations officer and WMHS athletic director effective April 10th, 2026. So moved. Second. Discussion? Uh Mr. Stone has served Wabash City Schools for 24 years in multiple capacities. Um I can't think of anyone that loves the panthers more than Mr. Stone. Personally, I have been blessed to work with Matt for the past 5 years. I will say without him, I do not think I would still be here. Um he was my right-hand man and a a good friend and going to miss seeing him in the office every day. All those in favor of approving the retirement, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Item S, vote to [snorts] approve the WCS students in the Heartland
046Career Center cybersecurity program to attend an out-of-state competition in Nashville, Tennessee from May 6th through the 9th, 2026. So moved. Second. Um this is my item. Uh sorry, I'm here. >> [laughter] >> Um so Heartland has a group um we have two students going to the BPA Nationals May 6th through the 10th um to Nashville, Tennessee. Um is it Kian Andrews and Amanda Olspaugh? Maybe? Yes, Olspaugh Olspaugh. Um so I just I would have recommended the board approve this trip for them. It seems like a really great opportunity for them. All [snorts] those in favor, say I. I. Those opposed? Motion passes. Items from superintendent. Um I hope everyone had a relaxing spring break. I looked at the calendar, we have 7 and 1/2 weeks of school left. Um spring sports are underway, so good
047luck to all of our athletes and our coaches. This Thursday, I get the opportunity to attend a top 20% [snorts] honor student luncheon at the Honeywell Center. We have 22 of our seniors that have been invited to attend. Um this is always a great event. >> [snorts] >> And the ILEARN testing window for students in grades 3 through 8 opens on Monday, April 13th. OJ and the middle school will share information with families regarding their testing schedules. And as I always used to say as a building principal, we just want to remind our students to try their hardest and do their best. Okay. Items from administrators. I just want to welcome Jen Miller um as the principal of LH. I worked with her in the classroom a few years ago and I'm real excited. She's
048going to do great. I will second that. I may be leaving, but I'm leaving it in excellent hands. I too worked with her, so um I know that she will do a great job, so I suppose I get the third then. >> [laughter] >> Congratulations. Other items from visitors. Items from board members. Connie? I think I got nothing. Um no. >> [laughter] >> Welcome back, Jen. It's good to see former students coming back to Wabash City Schools. Kathy, it's been great having you here. I remember when you came as first-year teacher and thank you for the wonderful job at LH. That was quite a transition for you. It was wonderful. You teachers, stay alive in the next 7 and 1/2 weeks. I know what you're tempted to do. Been there, done that. Just um we
049have you insured, but be careful. [laughter] That's it. I got nothing. >> [laughter] >> Welcome back, Jen. It's great to have you back. Um I always enjoy the the time here at different schools, especially when you get to see the see and hear all the awesome things that the students have done and the how they've grown and how they've learned how to you know handle themselves better. It's I love hearing academic stuff, but just hearing uh how kids have improved their their you know overalls you know emotional regulation to just getting along with other people or just being that a kid that just knows how to talk to another kid. That's the stuff that makes the world better and that's what matters to me. So that's really cool to to hear that tonight. So um
050I love being an honorary rabbit separating me from the horses, but that's okay. I'm a tiger, baby. >> [laughter] >> Okay. So there's that. Um I don't have any committee stuff up there, but um let's see. I'm [clears throat] saddened about the the the retirement that we had to approve tonight, but I understand uh the reasonings behind it and he Matt will be uh severely missed uh cuz he's he was one of the first people I met um when I joined the board the he was part with uh with Rod, so uh he's been around there for me, too, so um otherwise, I don't have anything else to add tonight. Um welcome, Jen. Um and I concur with everything that everyone has said. I'm not going to add anything else. I have to write it
051all and I don't >> [laughter] >> Yeah, okay. Um I got the agenda from the park superintendent. I'm on the park board today and we have a meeting Wednesday night if you want to come at 7:00 down at the mayor's place. City Hall. Not his actual home. There was a gentleman coming in talking about his his name is Dan Grace, director of the Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition, about the rules and regulations about smoking in the park. I'm not sure what they are, but I'm sure he's going to fill us in about those. We will also be talking about the pool, the park, and pickleball. So come join us 7:00 Wednesday night. Okay. Um I want to congratulate the Kathy Swan award winners. Actually, too. We talked we teared up on some of them on
052a little basis or something. You know, I love them. Um welcome again, Jen. And um I don't want to say too much about Matt's retirement, um but just I want to thank him for all his years of service as coach, as teacher, athletic director, as our um business officer, and our operations officer. Um he will be missed by Wabash City Schools. Um and we wish him well. So with that, um I'll let you thank you for coming. >> [cough] [clears throat]