LMHS renovations winding down

Renovations are nearly complete at Lincoln Middle/High School, and planning begins in September for Western Wayne Elementary improvements.

Western Wayne School board members received construction updates at their Aug. 13 meeting.

LMHS Principal Renee Lakes said students have loved the new look of everything, including giant windows in the cafeteria to add light. Window wraps enhance safety, but those in the cafeteria can see out.

Matt Webb, Sodexo’s general manager at WWS, said the school year started smoothly as teachers and staff collaborated to overcome renovation challenges.

Board members thanked Webb for monitoring the renovation, noting the countless hours he’s worked.

Webb said those efforts are worthwhile when seeing everyone’s reactions, especially those of the students, who now have a business lab with new computers and equipment.

The new roof is complete, signs were installed, and all high school classrooms, restrooms and the cafeteria are substantially complete. The football locker room was completed by Aug. 1, and that space is now in use.

New water fountains are equipped with bottle filler counters, and classrooms received new furniture, cabinets and white boards. The 25 student desks in each room can go together like Legos as a big table.

Safety features have been completed, such as updates of the key fob system and fire alarm systems at WWES and LMHS, Webb said.

Work is continuing on the gym and locker rooms, which are on schedule for a substantial completion date of Oct. 1. Footers are being poured for the concession area on the gym’s east side.

A public grand opening is being planned.

In other business

• New superintendent Kelly Plank thanked everyone for their help and support in her first weeks. She’s working on the 2026 budget and insurance options. Grants are also completed or in progress.
• The board approved an amended and restated joint services agreement, letters of agreement and personnel changes for East Central Indiana Special Services District. The cooperative has moved to WWS to be more fiscally responsible. It also serves Northeastern, Union County and Franklin County. Districts collaborate to reduce costs for services such as physical, speech and occupational therapy and visual impairments. They also approved a teacher contract for Liza Bates until June 30, 2027.
• WWES had to add a third section each of fourth and first grade.
• The Homecoming football game and parade are Friday, Sept. 26.
• The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Ball State University for student teachers, agreed McGowan Insurance would continue as its insurance carrier, and granted permission to advertise a notice of public hearing on the state government’s Gateway website and to advertise the district’s 2026 budget, capital and bus replacement plans.

Personnel

• New hires: Teachers: Amanda Branham, first grade; Jamie Buhl, fourth grade; Ashley Creech, fourth grade adjunct; Kelsey Weber, LMS special education; Ellie Weber, LHS math; Sam Mercer, LHS special education; Lena Suman, MS/HS art; Jonathan Ferris, MS/HS agriculture. Noncertified personnel: Luke Morris and Autumn Hicks — elementary special education instructional aides; Francesca Turner, LMS special education instructional aide; Sarah Wilson, applied skills special education aide
• Coaches: Maggie Frye, LHS cheer coach with assistant Alisandra Asher; Heather Brower, Alicia Criswell and Bryanna Judy, volunteer elementary cheer coaches
• Departures: Kailey Winchester, special education coordinator; Lyssa Dye, first grade teacher; Austin Wampler, fourth grade teacher; Jennifer Miller, LMS special education teacher