Two Northeastern Wayne Schools music teachers submitted their resignations within days of the school year ending.
On Thursday, May 29, Superintendent Matthew Hicks confirmed the departures of band director Kimberly Markiewicz and middle/high school choir teacher Geneva Price to Western Wayne News.
Those resignations weren’t part of the personnel items approved during the board’s May 21 meeting.
“We are working to hire for our band program very quickly,” Hicks said. “The goal is to continue our streak of appearing at State Band Day.”
Northeastern finished 11th in the 2024 band competition.
According to the Northeastern High School Bands page on Facebook, new member rehearsals had begun as of April 21 for the Marching Knights. The post noted many new members joining for the season.
In addition, Northeastern High School’s Concert Band received gold ratings in performance and sight reading during the Indiana State School Music Association contest on April 26.
During the board meeting, NWS approved an instrument repair and maintenance contract with Paige’s Music in Indianapolis to service the band’s aging instruments. The first year is $23,885.99 because of the imminent repairs needed. It will be followed by $13,175 for each of the second and third years.
In other business
- The board approved renewing its agreement with Cartwheel to provide online mental health services for students and families. The $15,000 contract will serve 25 students. Northeastern used all of its 15 seats in 2024-2025 despite starting with the provider in November and gradually understanding its efficacy. Immediate risk assessments are available, and students are usually seen within a week. Because of the district’s distance from providers, Hicks said telehealth is beneficial. They are seeing positive results.
- Hicks was a chaperone for the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. Students experienced powerful moments, such as visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and they showed great respect and behavior. “It was nice to see the very best of our kids on that trip,” he said.
- Northeastern Elementary School is not offering summer school, thanks to strong performances on the IREAD test.
- Interviews are taking place for Northeastern’s assistant principal position. A candidate could be selected to present to the board at its 6 p.m. June 18 meeting.
- The board approved joining the contract with other Wayne County districts and Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce to hire an employer engagement director to find work-based learning opportunities. This document, requiring a 180-day opt-out notice, replaces the earlier memorandum of understanding.
- Northeastern is replacing ParentSquare with Apptegy for emergency notifications and aims to get all parents registered by fall. About 65% have enrolled.
- The board approved a five-year contract for internet infrastructure improvements. Phones will continue operating during power outages as long as the internet still functions. The $377,401.14 will be paid in approximately $75,000 installments.
- Northeastern will work with Food 2 School, an approved bidding site to be compliant with federal and state law. As NWS’ wholesaler, it will get competitive pricing.
- A tool used to track teacher and administrator evaluations to comply with state requirements will be renewed for $2,830.50.
- The board approved two $500 donations, one from Apex Ag Solutions for archery in memory of Aletha Cook; and from Wayne Bank for its senior scholarship awards banquet.
Personnel updates
- Transfer: Jennifer Kelly from NHS English teacher to NMS English teacher
- New hires: Jesse Bramer-Conder, custodial services; Bob Chaney, sub bus driver; Aiden Brinker, part-time custodial services
- Extracurricular activities: Jadelyn Sickles, varsity cheer coach
- Departures: Elly Cofield, middle/high school mentor; Gillian Archer, NMS English teacher; Carrie Mitchell, NMS science teacher; Tori Gove, NES teacher
A version of this article appeared in the June 4 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.