Strawberry milk, applauding a high-achieving leukemia patient and technology were among discussion topics during Northeastern Wayne Schools’ March 18 board meeting.

Technology

NWS received eight bids to buy NWS’ 1,250 9th Gen Apple iPads as it transitions to Chromebooks. Georgia-based TechReboot offered the highest buyback amount with a guaranteed minimum of $168,750 and $243,750 maximum. Debbie Bartram, Angela Smith and Shawntel Baker voted in favor; Kim Claypoole and Daniel VanDuyne were absent.

Grant management

The board approved a service agreement for Mazi Education to write and help manage NWS grants starting in July. That will include Title grants aimed at improving academic achievement for disadvantaged students along with funds for high-ability programs and safety.

Northeastern Students of the Month High school Charlotte Stofferahn

Mazi already provides English learner services because NWS doesn’t have a licensed English language learners teacher. Mazi also partners with East Central Educational Service Center, of which NWS is a member, to coordinate special education grants through the co-op.

Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said assistant superintendents typically have written grants for superintendents to approve. NWS hasn’t hired an assistant superintendent to replace O’Brien after she filled the district’s top job.

O’Brien said ongoing grant maintenance and auditing is more difficult than writing funding requests. She said hiring a consultant for that work costs less than an assistant superintendent or curriculum director.

Northeastern Students of the Month Middle school Aubrey Moore

Student recognition

Northeastern Students of the Month Elementary Grayce Meinardi

NWS’ board typically recognizes one student each from its Early Learning Center, elementary, middle and high schools per month.

Elementary student Grayce Meinardi wasn’t able to attend in person, but she did get to hear praise for keeping up with her class via Google Meet. Teachers honored her for her positivity, joy and determination while she is treated for leukemia at Riley Hospital for Children.

In other business

  • Buildings: New LED screens have been installed in Northeastern High School’s gym. HVAC work at the elementary school continues. Exterior masonry work begins soon at NHS, followed by track replacement.
  • Cafeteria: Tierney Stevenson, elementary principal, said strawberry milk is extremely popular. A student monitors those supplies for cafeteria staff.
  • Registration: Preschool’s open house is April 14 and kindergarten registration is April 16. Appointments are required by emailing vcurtis@nws.k12.in.us.
  • Recognition: Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce honored NWS as a 25-year member.
  • Donation: Approved anonymous $1,000 for Food Pantry Fund
  • Policies: The board approved policies on nondiscrimination, required enrollment counts for state funding and residency verification, and non-immigrant students/foreign exchange programs.
  • Next meeting: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Student Services Building, 7299 N. U.S. 27, Fountain City. The public is invited.
Northeastern Students of the Month Early Learning Center Evelyn Belcher

February-March personnel

  • Transfers: Megan Hinkey, NHS guidance counselor to NHS work-based learning coordinator and Alyssa Wysong, NMS guidance counselor to NHS guidance counselor, both in the 2026-27 school year. Alyssa Feaster, part-time to full-time NES special education teaching assistant; Mark Collins, from NMS instructional aide to night custodian; Mikala Tutterrow, from NMS Applied Skills instructional aide to NMS/NHS permanent substitute; Dianna Harris, from NES Life Skills teaching assistant to NMS/NHS Applied Skills teaching assistant; Audrielle Black (March), part-time to full-time NES Life Skills teaching assistant
  • Hires: Angela Horner, food services; Aurora Biava, Thomas Hamilton, Candace Humphries and Lauren Lacey, substitute teachers; Audrielle Black, NES special education teaching assistant
  • Departures: Michelle Caudill, custodian; Angela Falcone, Emma Howard and Courtney Scherer, NES teaching assistants; Ashley Freeman, NES Life Skills teaching assistant; Kierra Wright, NELC instructional assistant; Brayden March, NMS special education teaching assistant; Lindsey Lee, food services 
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A version of this article appeared in the March 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

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