Northeastern Wayne Schools plans to change its students’ start and end times for the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien told the board at its Nov. 19 meeting that early release Tuesdays would provide consistent teacher professional development and communication opportunities. The board unanimously approved the changes.

Early Learning Center begins at 8:15 a.m., ending at 1:50 p.m. Tuesdays and 2:30 p.m. other days.

Northeastern Students of the Month Early Learning Center: Adalynn Jones

Northeastern Elementary starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, versus 2:35 p.m. other days for car riders. Buses load at 2:45 p.m.

Middle and high school begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 3:05 p.m. other days

The board also approved its 2026-27 and 27-28 calendars. For 2026-27, students’ first day will be Aug. 12. E-learning days are Sept. 23 (parent-teacher conferences) and Nov. 23-24 (teacher professional development). Breaks are Oct. 19-23, Nov. 25-27, Dec. 21-Jan. 1, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 26-April 2. Students’ last day is May 27; graduation is June 4.

Renovations

Whisenhunt Construction was the low bidder for both NHS’ exterior improvements and track resurfacing, and the board approved those contracts. Building work ($1.5 million) will start as soon as February or March, depending on weather, and the track ($955,600) will start in May.

Northeastern Students of the Month Elementary: Colt Brock

Teacher pay

Indiana code requires school corporations to spend at least 62% of applicable state tuition support on teacher compensation each fiscal year. NWS’ compensation percentage fell short at 61.7%.

Indiana Department of Education required the board to share that information during a board meeting and in meeting minutes, and to post its memo on NWS’ website.

O’Brien said the issue was addressed during collective bargaining to make adjustments for fiscal year 2026.

In other business

  • Northeastern seeks individuals and businesses willing to sponsor students/families at Christmas. The need is the highest it’s been in years.
  • The board approved updates to the corporation’s salary schedule and updated benefit packages for administrators, school resource officers and secretaries/building treasurers.
  • Donations of $2,000 were approved for athletic training supplies from Reid Health and $2,500 for archery from an anonymous donor.
  • Early Learning Center received a $20,000 High-Quality Curriculum Grant.
  • NHS volleyball raised $710.25 at Volley for the Cure night for Reid Health’s BRAvo! program.
  • Policies were approved on student eligibility, reproductive health/family planning/human sexuality instruction, student privacy/parental access to information, student assessments and recording of individualized education program team meetings/case conferences.
  • O’Brien thanked cafeteria staff for offering a free Thanksgiving lunch for all students and staff.
  • Five teachers received $750 each for supervising IU East student teachers.

Personnel

Northeastern Students of the Month Middle school: Isaiah Behagg
  • Hires: Christopher Albertson, food Services; Tristen Collins NES teaching assistant; Jennifer Blascak, NHS Applied Skills teaching assistant
  • Extra-curricular: Trevor Hall, junior class sponsor; James Nelson, yearbook; Kevin Cool, FFA advisor; Charlie O’Brien, academic teams coordinator; Trisha Peters, NMS/NHS mentor teacher; Sara Williams, NMS mentor
  • Transfers: Samantha Comiso from teaching assistant to language facilitator, NES
  • Departures: Teaching assistants Robbie West, Samantha Whallon and Hope Jordan
Northeastern Students of the Month High school: Ellie Warren
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A version of this article appeared in the November 26 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.