Seven days after torrential flooding canceled school countywide, the Nettle Creek School board reconvened for its monthly meeting on Aug. 19. The board praised its community and Superintendent Emily Schaeffer for leading efforts to make the return possible.
Board member Mike Banning called the efforts humbling and overwhelming, describing the Nettle Creek School community as “a great place to live.” Board member Ruthie Ann LaMar said Schaeffer was amazing, and she praised Hagerstown Junior-Senior High Principal Jordan McCaslin for personally welcoming their new German exchange student on his first day.
Board member Julie Blaase said Schaeffer did a phenomenal job, adding that she should run for state legislature and teach Washington, D.C., some things. And board member Marcie Houghton commented on how well selective Wayne County leaders worked together.
President Shaun Lieberman echoed this sentiment, impressed at the speed and clarity in which all the recovery efforts took place. He was also amazed at students who were quick to help out where needed.
Schaeffer was grateful but said she did not do any of this alone.
“I could not have done any of this without the amazing people who stepped up to help me,” she said. “If you just ask, people are more than willing to help.”
Schaeffer also thanked the community for being flexible with the decision to return to school last week. Though some challenges remain, she ensured it offered some normalcy for students, whose needs should be met first.
School news
Elementary Principal Belinda Locke reported that the Aug. 3 back-to-school event was a great success and they are off to a good start for the school year. HJSHS Principal McCaslin highlighted the marching band’s 10th place finish at the State Fair band competition, girls volleyball victory and a smooth transition with the new cellphone ban policy.
District news
Nettle Creek scored the county’s second-highest IREAD and SAT rates, with an 95.6% IREAD passing rate. Current enrollment remains at 1,068, a slight drop compared to last fall’s 1,090. Schaeffer cautioned they are graduating more than they are bringing in, with its junior class being its largest with 112 students. Schaeffer stated they will continue supporting families and the community, including Williamsburg and Greens Fork, by sharing resources and offering assistance through assistance@nettlecreek.k12.in.us.
Financial report
Business Manager Amber Rushton reported full interest was correctly added to a CD in their rainy day fund, some family lunch debts were paid and monies in the lunch fund could not be used for funds as they belong to the state.
Other business
Board approved personnel items, including splitting one nursing contract into two, five resignations and multiple ECA appointments. Houghton requested info on online schooling and a four-day week, and suggested starting school after Band Day so families can attend.
The board will re-advertise appropriation and debt project plans scheduled for a Sept. 2 special meeting; the next board meeting is Sept. 9. Both will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the HES LGI Room at 299 N. Sycamore St. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the August 26 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
