Several residents, businesses and churches have come together to assist a Northeastern Wayne Schools family who experienced a devastating house fire.
At their Feb. 19 meeting, Northeastern board members learned from Tierney Stevenson, elementary principal, about a “fantastic” variety of donations they’ve gathered for the grateful family.
Superintendent Matthew Hicks also thanked the board for reaching out about the family that had lost everything. He appreciates how much board members care about Northeastern families and their community.
“We are interconnected, we do love each other, and the fact that the board really does step forward and say, ‘What can we do? How can we help?’ — that doesn’t happen in every school district,” Hicks said.
In other business
- Inspectors for Indiana’s Paths to Quality certification for early childhood education visited Northeastern Elementary School’s Purple Room. It received a 100% score and Level 3 accreditation, so families can apply for child care vouchers. Northeastern’s Early Learning Center Building will have Paths to Quality visits this month. ELC enrollment for next year is now open.
- Stevenson confirmed NES is receiving a discount and won’t pay shipping/handling for new curriculum materials, saving about $6,000. Board members approved the purchase in January.
- Northeastern High School’s grade-point average calculations are finalized. There are three valedictorians and nine salutatorians.
- NHS teacher Tyler Hostetler has created a Belong in Action Log that will identify students who have done things that go above and beyond.
- Superintendent Matthew Hicks convened a meeting with Fountain City and Williamsburg fire departments, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management to continue planning for a Sept. 12 accident simulation.
- Hicks proposed a stipend for NHS Principal John Markward for covering 76 days without an assistant principal. Half of that salary, not counting insurance savings, is $12,730. The board approved that amount. Markward thanked the board for its support.
- The board approved a separation agreement with former curriculum and instruction director Kelly Plank that was effective Jan. 24.
- Hicks attended a retirement party for Richmond Area Career Center Director Rusty Hensley, a former Northeastern principal. Hicks called Hensley a “tremendous partner” for providing training opportunities to Northeastern students.
- Transfer applications for 2025-2026 were reviewed and approved. Families can request priority consideration for transfers if applying by June 5. Afterward, students will be added to a waiting list.
- Approved donation: Dot Foods, $5,000 for athletics
- Early Literacy Achievement grants totaling $44,111.16 went to 31 teachers, interventionists and assistants. Amy Wiley, Chelsea Wine and Patti Boyce received Teacher Residency Grant stipends.
Personnel updates
- New hire: Alexis Bell, NMS part-time instructional aide
- Departures: Kevin Cool, Andi Cameron, Chelsea Wine
- Retirement: Michelle Sheard
- Additional role: Emily McClain and Miranda Smith, homebound teachers
- Volunteer: Helen Lenon, middle school Drama Club
- Coaches: Dave Baker, varsity baseball; Kevin Johnson, assistant varsity/JV baseball; Ryan Seal, Garrett Dill and Adam Kress, baseball volunteers; Drew Fox, middle school boys/girls golf; Emmie Pugh, Brandon Blanford and Lindsey Blanford, softball volunteers; Lee Reed and Vanessa Curtis, splitting the 2024-25 elementary athletic director position
Early Learning Center Student of the Month Sloane Ansel 
Elementary Student of the Month Peyton Durham 
Elementary Student of the Month Colton Gordnier 
Middle school Student of the Month Allie Kress 
Middle school Student of the Month Liam Garwood 
High school Student of the Month Manny Behagg 
High school Student of the Month Anna Fox
A version of this article appeared in the March 5 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.