Western Wayne Schools’ board members are moving forward with the search for a new superintendent, with hopes of selecting a candidate by July 1.
Steve Horton, Indiana School Boards Association’s director of board services, met with WWS’ four board members during a special public meeting on Monday, April 21, to discuss the process. He said hiring a superintendent is the most important decision that board members make, and he’ll help them follow Indiana statute to find the best possible leader.
The board voted to approve Superintendent Andy Stover’s resignation at its April 24 meeting. In an April 11 email message obtained by WWN, Stover told school district employees he would remain in the role through July 18. “Please know that this decision comes from a place of deep introspection, and while there have been differences in direction at times, I remain immensely proud of the work we have accomplished together,” Stover wrote.
Earlier this month, Fayette County School Corp. hired Stover as its chief operating officer, where he’ll start working this summer.
Horton planned to post the open position online Monday, April 28, along with a district profile to help candidates decide if they’re interested in applying. Applications will be due at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 25, but the search can be extended if needed. Horton will also prepare an electronic survey for community members to share their priorities in the search.
Horton said a rural district should expect eight to 10 candidates, and 15 applications would make him “very happy.” The number of applications received in other searches has risen this year, he said.
Board members can then begin reviewing applications to prepare for a June 2 executive session. They’ll decide who to schedule for June 9-10 first-round interviews. Typically, five to seven candidates advance, but a third night could be scheduled if they want to meet more applicants. All will be asked the same questions in 45-minute segments.
Even if board members feel good about a candidate, Horton said it’s important to interview at least two finalists for 90 minutes each to gather more information. Finalist interviews are planned for June 17.
Once the board determines who to hire, the negotiated contract must be publicly posted for at least 10 days before the hire can be made at a public meeting. The board could take action at its July meeting.
It’s not unusual to have a small gap between July 1 and the new superintendent’s start date. The district’s lawyer can advise how to manage that, such as paying for work on a per-diem basis, Horton said.
Horton said WWS is more likely to get first-time superintendent candidates, and requiring previous experience could be limiting. Board members prioritized teaching and building leadership over central office experience, and said the current capable staff could assist in their transition.
The three community members who spoke during the meeting expressed concerns and encouraged board members to facilitate better communication within the school system and with the broader community. Two were parents of current students evaluating whether they should transfer their children to other districts.
Kris Bex, the board’s vice president, said all board members want to move forward in a direction that’s good for students. He said he believes no one wants anything other than what’s best for students and the corporation, even if it looks different from each side of the board’s table, and they do want to hear concerns.
WWS board accepting applications for new member
Western Wayne Schools also announced plans to select a new board member, approved new board officers and an assistant principal’s resignation, and congratulated two longtime employees on their retirement.
Another near-capacity crowd attended the Thursday, April 24, board meeting at Lincoln Middle/High School.
Board changes
Board members approved President David Sturgis’ resignation and then amended their officer slate. Kris Bex became president, and Jenni Risch replaced him as vice president. Brent Fortman remains as secretary.
Those interested in filling Sturgis’ seat must live in District A, which includes Dublin, Mount Auburn and Pershing. They must send a letter by May 5 to P.O. Box 124, Milton, IN 47357.
The board met in executive session before the public meeting to discuss the board vacancy and individual employees’ job performance.
At the meeting’s end, Bex thanked everyone who attended, saying WWS is lucky to have people who care about the district, including dedicated teachers, staff and administrators who deal with complicated matters.
Personnel
- In addition to Superintendent Andy Stover’s resignation, the board also approved resignations from Matt Davis, Lincoln Middle/High School assistant principal, and Hannah Johns, a fourth-grade teacher, without comment.
- Kindergarten teacher Stacey Bertsch (31 years) and corporation nurse Kim Pattison (20 years) will retire. Both were thanked for their contributions.
- Hires included Fayth Koontz, LMS agriculture teacher for the remainder of the year, Gavin Trent, special education instructional aide; and LMS track volunteers Hanna Best, Alyssa Hood and Michael Munchel.
During public commentary, Karen Heinken thanked Stover for his leadership during the pandemic, starting the community Thanksgiving dinner and other accomplishments such as supporting the now-thriving Western Wayne Elementary and its principal Elizabeth Miller.
After the meeting, Miller reflected to WWN about working with Stover. “He guided me as an administrator to be the best I can be, and he has encouraged me to bring everyone together,” Miller said. ”I feel we’re in a really good spot, and a big part of that is Andy’s leadership and guidance. I will miss him tremendously.”
Speaker Kristen Brown expressed concern about the dismissal of girls basketball coach Dylan Miller, saying WWS can’t compete with surrounding schools if they let dedicated coaches go who are building up programs. She asked the board and administrators why coaching changes can be made when they’re not in students’ best interest. Following their protocol, the board did not respond.
Calendar
Highlights of the newly approved 2025-26 calendar include the first student day (Aug. 6), parent-teacher conferences (Oct. 15) and breaks (Oct. 27-31, Nov. 26-28, Dec. 22-31 and March 23-27). Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day are makeup days if needed. Students’ last day is May 21, followed by May 31 graduation.
In other business
- The board approved contributing toward hiring a countywide position to help high schoolers secure work-based learning placements.
- Western Wayne Elementary Principal Elizabeth Miller noted a successful kindergarten/preschool roundup. WWES will begin charging for preschool, but has secured Indiana’s On My Way funding, and families can apply for assistance.
- The board updated Jordan Scruggs’ contract and title as assistant director of technology now that he’s taken on more work. Ben Burris is now in Peru schools three days each week.
- WWS secured teacher residency grants and has been able to pay three student teachers.
- An updated school wellness policy means sugary drinks can’t be sold during school to meet federal meal guidelines.
Donations
- FFA: David Pflum, $500; Brandi Myers, $150
- Archery: Dot Foods, $500; Lorraine Vance, $150
- Farewell Fest: American Heritage Realty, $500; American Legion Post 169 and Johns Manville, $250; Miller Wood, $200
- Cheerleaders: Whitewater Supply Company, $500
- Middle School Day of Fun: Dot Foods, $500; Miller Wood, $200; Roses and Rainbows, $150
- Athletics: MediCenter, $500
- Business Professionals of America: American Legion Post 169, $1,300. Nutrien, Golden Engineering and Natco Credit Union, $250. Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel, Cambridge City Christian Church, M and M Electrical Service and Ahaus, $200. Robert and Carol Ammerman, $150
- Prom: $500, Western Wayne Schools
- Brick Oven: $200, Kiwanis
A version of this article appeared in the April 30 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.