Meet new WWS leader at reception

Western Wayne Schools has scheduled a community reception for its new yet-to-be-named superintendent and welcomed another new board member.

Superintendent search

WWS has planned two events related to hiring a new district leader.

The board will hear public objections or support for a proposed superintendent’s contract at a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in Lincoln Middle/High School’s Room M96, 215 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City.

Residents can submit comments before July 17 to publiccomments@wwayne.k12.in.us.

The contract totals $163,515.97, which includes a $115,000 base salary.

Benefits include $23,526.31 for health, vision, dental, life and disability insurances and $144.66 for workers’ compensation. The candidate could receive annual allowances of $6,000 for a vehicle and $1,020 for a cell phone. Contributions toward the state teacher retirement fund and an annuity would be $17,825.

The contract nearly mirrors the contract signed by previous superintendent Andy Stover when he took the job in 2022. The salary, phone and vehicle allowances and annuity contributions are identical.

The new contract is $3,293 less than Stover’s initial contract because of lower insurance contributions.

Board President Kris Bex announced that the public is invited to watch the board formally vote in the new superintendent at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at LMHS. Residents and WWS employees are invited to chat with the new leader afterward.

New board member

At its July 9 meeting, Amber Rushton took the oath of office to join the board. The four current members chose her to replace Phil Pflum, who resigned in June after several years of service.

In the 2022 school board election, Pflum received 56% of the vote over Rushton.

Bex said board members were pleased to receive more applications than they expected for the at-large seat. He didn’t give a specific number, but said it was less than 10.

The board conducted a couple of meetings to review applicants’ letters and discuss their qualifications. Making a selection took some conversation and debate, Bex said.

After interviewing superintendent candidates, members chose not to interview board applicants. They relied instead on their personal connections as each member knew at least some of the candidates.

“I have a passion for rural communities, and I believe schools are the heartbeats of small communities,” said Rushton, who has been business manager for Nettle Creek schools in nearby Hagerstown for two years.

She is a 2003 graduate of Tri High and earned a degree in agriculture business from Purdue University.

She and her husband, Gary, have three children attending WWS, ages 7, 11 and 13.

Rushton said it’s no secret that there have been issues and conflict in the community and school.

“I believe I have the morale and respect of the community to help make a difference in the best interest of our students,” she said.

Rushton said her knowledge of state rules and how schools and boards operate will be useful, along with community connections through involvement with organizations including Cambridge City Youth League, 4-H and Jacksonburg Christian Church.

Each school is different, Rushton said, and she hopes to learn more about WWS’ strengths and gaps that need filling.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight, and I hope the community will be patient in knowing change will happen and we will do the best we can,” she said.

Public comment

The board is considering returning to its previous procedure of having patrons sign up in advance to comment at board meetings. Registration could take place through an online form or email.

Resident Karen Heinken said she sometimes has questions after reading the meeting agendas, which are posted online a couple days in advance. Bex said patrons might be able to indicate their interest in speaking when they enter.

Bex said the new procedures would be shared once finalized.

Public comments would be heard at each meeting before the board takes action to approve contracts, personnel changes or other matters.

In other business

The board:

• Approved renewing the early childhood program agreement with Richmond Family YMCA, which offers childcare at Western Wayne Elementary.
• Approved 2025-26 student handbooks for both Lincoln Middle/High School and WWES.
• Approved eight contracts for cafeteria food purchases.
• Approved an adjunct Spanish teacher contract with Andi Melerowicz.
• Hired Douglas McDonald as the new high school special education teacher and Pam Gregory as elementary cafeteria manager.
• Accepted resignations from LMHS art teacher Randy Lear and WWES fourth grade teacher Khyleigh North.
• Allowed the superintendent to apply for all applicable federal, state and competitive grants and technology loans in 2025-2026.