Northeastern rightsizing teaching staff

Northeastern Wayne Schools has steady enrollment, but despite county efforts to boost housing and quality of life, potential state funding cuts and a downward trending population loom.

At the board’s March 19 meeting, Superintendent Matthew Hicks said it’s in the district’s best interest not to fill some positions as they come open.

Thus, NWS won’t replace its second band teacher or a departing agriculture teacher. Those funds might be used for raises to stay competitive.

Hicks said he supports band and ag, but similar-sized districts have one band teacher. Northeastern’s band teacher has an aide. Since band participation is growing, an additional aide or half-time/full-time teacher might be hired in a year or two.

Some ag programs’ enrollments have decreased. Students who might have chosen ag now opt for welding or Hill’s Pet Academy internships.

Students express interest in health, criminal justice and business courses, and it’s important to provide what they request, he said.

Career education: NHS is pursuing additional technical opportunities, including a nearby welding program at Ivy Tech Community College in Richmond.

Hicks said students who have started at Winchester’s career center can finish there.

However, scheduling challenges have prompted Northeastern to pursue additional opportunities beyond the Rural Alliance Zone that serves schools in Randolph and Delaware counties.

Hicks said some morning RAZ spots are available, but if students get afternoon schedules, those with sports or job commitments might run late returning.

Hicks said he believes there’s a place for partnerships with both RAZ and Richmond Area Career Center, and he’s grateful for that flexibility.

Elementary: Principal Tierney Stevenson said IREAD scores for second and third grades remain embargoed, but staff are “over the moon.” It’s possible that no summer school will be needed. Stevenson said she’s never cried happily about testing. Hicks said “unbelievable” work has been happening. ILEARN testing takes place this month.

HVAC bids: NWS received two bids for its elementary heating/cooling project. Despite Carroll Electric being lower ($1,460,000), the board selected Whisenhunt Construction ($1,586,000) after Hicks consulted the architect, the mechanical engineer and NWS attorney A.J. Sickmann. Carroll left out several items, such as some subcontractors, and completion dates or timelines. Sickmann has seen other entities accept lowest bids despite missing information, and prices rose later.

NHS celebrations: The new Senior Showcase is at 9 a.m. May 21 in the gym. All seniors will be recognized for their contributions and share future plans. Invitation-only events are planned April 2 and May 3 for Academic Excellence and scholarship winners. Graduation is May 30. Livestreams are planned for all via Knights Broadcasting Network.

Special education: Hicks said a special education co-op is moving physically and financially from Union County to Western Wayne Schools, which has some space available after a remodel. Hicks said NWS was asked to consider hosting, but doesn’t have three classrooms to spare. NWS will send staff to help with the move.

Personnel

Departures: Matt Fisher, volleyball coach; Debbi Moore, cheerleading

Hires: Dallas King, substitute bus driver; Jill Stephen, permanent building substitute; Rick Moore, substitute mini bus driver

Additional role: Autumn Kelly, early learning center latchkey coverage