Attendees received a legal lesson as attorney Ron Cross assisted the Nettle Creek School Board with public hearings at its Oct. 14 meeting. Each hearing prepared the district for its multimillion-dollar facilities renovation project beginning summer 2027.
Cross guided three public hearings to adopt the resolution authorizing execution of sixth amendment to lease; to adopt the resolution assigning construction bids and contracts, once received; and to adopt the resolution approving a first amendment to master continuing disclosure undertaking, second supplement to master continuing disclosure undertaking and issuance of bonds.
With no public comments on those matters, the board unanimously approved each adoption and the hearings were closed. Cross stated he and administrators would join an Oct. 15 rating call that would review the district’s financial health before receiving a bond rating.
Social media speculation regarding the status of Hagerstown teacher Jason Schmittler prompted Richmond’s Amanda Miller to speak during public comments. Representing a handful of others in the room, Miller said they wanted to “stand up for him” and encouraged others to do the same. WWN asked Nettle Creek leadership for comment about the matter but did not receive a response before press time.
Financial report
The school is seeing expenditures trend down, a result of cost-saving actions from last spring. President Shaun Lieberman stated how this was a testament to everyone’s hard work. Shaffer added that enrollment as of Oct. 1 was 1,054, down 37 students from this time last year.
District news
Elementary school awarded its first “Heart of the Tiger” staff award to Sandra Glunt and is planning two field trips next month. High school students attended two career fairs and named Roxanne Thornburg as staff member of the month. The board celebrated its fall sports success and acknowledged student Sydney Dobbs as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalist.
The IT team serviced 298 tech tickets since July, employs two work-based learning students and established a tech hotline for students.
Preschool is preparing for parent teacher conferences, high schoolers are in PSAT testing season and third and eighth graders have their first of three checkpoint ILEARN tests this month. The Every Child Can Read tutoring program is thriving, and the school received grants to fund student teachers and support high ability learners and early literacy efforts.
Shaffer and administrators are working with FEMA for assistance to address an estimated $500,000 in flood repairs. Despite having flood insurance, the elementary school and sports complex being in the flood plain excludes them from full coverage. Senator Jeff Raatz will explore buses using dyed fuel to save costs. Bath State Bank made a donation of $3,500.
In board comments, member Sandi Schraub reminded people there’s a lot at stake in this election and to research and understand who they vote for.
The board approved its 2027 budget, bus replacement plan and capital projects plan; a number of resolutions pertaining to finances; the 2027-2028 school calendar; a 2028 tours proposal to Greece and Italy; and Tiger Virtual Academy.
The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary school’s LGI Room, 299 N. Sycamore St. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the October 21 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
