Lincoln Middle/High School has a new interim principal after its longtime leader abruptly resigned effective Thursday, Oct. 9. No mention of Principal Renée Lakes’ departure was made at a school board meeting the night before.
Western Wayne Schools’ new superintendent, Kelly Plank, confirmed Lakes’ resignation to WWN on Friday afternoon, Oct. 10.
Plank shared the letter she sent to parents announcing “a change in leadership” at LMHS.
Plank told parents she was pleased to announce that Melissa Zimmerman, who has been serving as assistant principal, is stepping into the interim principal’s role, effective immediately. Lakes introduced Zimmerman to the board at its June 2025 meeting.
“Mrs. Zimmerman, in her short time with us, has proven to be a strong, dedicated leader,” Plank wrote. “I know that LMHS will continue to grow and thrive under her guidance.”
Plank said she’s committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for LMHS students and staff, and she looks forward to a successful academic year with Zimmerman.
“Transition is tricky though, and there has been a lot of it as of late,” said Plank, who was hired as WWS’ superintendent in late July. “Thank you for your grace as we work through this change.”
Zimmerman previously taught English for three years at Avon (Indiana) and five years at Muncie Central. She has a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Ball State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Defiance (Ohio) College.
“I’m super excited to work with students and get to know more about the school community,” Zimmerman told WWN in June.
Zimmerman has received compliments for her work from the board during two recent meetings.
Plank’s letter also noted appreciation for Lakes’ service and dedication to students and staff during her time leading the school. She also wished Lakes the best in her future endeavors.
Lakes was named Indiana’s District 6 Principal of the Year in December 2020 during her 27th year as a teacher and administrator. In its social media announcement of that honor, LMHS said Lakes “continues to put the children in our district first and tirelessly works to improve the school.”
Lakes’ upcoming departure wasn’t mentioned at WWS’ monthly board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and the board took no action regarding her employment.
During that public meeting, Lakes recognized students for achievements and provided typical updates about fundraisers and other school matters.
The sole advertised purpose of an executive session taking place immediately after that meeting was to conduct training about the board’s role as public officials. No official action was to be taken during that session.
A version of this article will appear in the October 15 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.