WWS board takes 1st referendum step

Western Wayne Schools is focused on ending the school year positively for families, offering a blitz of activities, recognizing student achievement and taking a step toward a potential referendum.

Referendum

During its May 13 meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing administration regarding auditor certification for a potential referendum tax levy.

Board president Kris Bex said it’s the first official step that about 90 other school districts in the state are pursuing in the November election. Bex said the referendum is needed for WWS to continue, let alone grow, amid state funding changes and inflation for operating expenses.

The board also approved its contract with Sodexo Services of Indiana for building maintenance and supplies reflecting a 3.3% consumer price index increase.

Celebrations

During the May 13 board meeting, interim Lincoln Middle/High School Principal Melissa Zimmerman thanked the community for its support and called it an “awesome year.”

Zimmerman praised the response to Teacher Appreciation Week donation requests and said she was proud of the “small but very mighty” senior class as it prepared for Field Day, its senior walk to the elementary school and awards ceremony.

She also recognized 20 Business Professionals of America members and eighth grade archer Coleson Burdette for qualifying for nationals, crediting students and staff for their hard work and success.

She said she doesn’t claim those successes, but enjoys showering praises on kids and staff who put in the work.

Meanwhile, Western Wayne Elementary principal Elizabeth Miller enjoyed hosting a Unified Field Day for applied skills students from fellow special education co-op schools Northeastern, Franklin County and Union County. WWES fifth graders served as student buddies, which she described as “precious.”

New hours

• School hours for 2026-2027 will return to their pre-pandemic schedule. LMHS: 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. WWES: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Summer public hours for WWS offices: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays.

Board approvals

• A Jamaica service trip in June 2027 and related fundraising.
• Milestone’s bid for seal coating LMHS’ parking lot
• Donations: BPA: Jodi Johnson, Jeff/Cheryl Perry, Wayne Bank, Vintage Wheels Auto Club and Chicago Pizza, $100 each; Cambridge City Area Chamber of Commerce, Miller Woods and Ahaus Tools, $200; Primex, NATCO Credit Union and Blue Buffalo, $250. Archery: Blue Buffalo, $250. Farewell Fest: Hilltop Drive-In and Dungan Plumbing, $100. Baseball: American Legion Post 169, $1,000; Bowman and Thalls and anonymous, $100. Sixth grade Flat Rock trip: Miller Woods, $500; Clean N Simple, $300; New Day Kiwanis, $200; Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel, $100. Teacher Appreciation Week: Miller Woods, $800; Brent Fortman, $200; Jim/Jill King, $100; food and items from Chicago Pizza, Lumpy’s, Lakeview, Cambridge City Market, Roses and Rainbows, McPrinting, Subway, Dot Foods, Hilltop Drive-In and Hebrews Coffee Shop
• Personnel: Hires: 2026-27 teachers: William Doggett, LMHS life skills; Douglas McDonald, WWES special education; Stacy Garrison, WWES. Elementary summer school, Julie Buhl and Kelsey Agee; elementary cafeteria staff, Carol Watson. Coaches: Chad Bowman, varsity football; Travis Amyx, varsity wrestling; Ashley Trent, seventh grade volleyball; Grace Sherwood, junior varsity volleyball; Kristin Brown, JV girls basketball; Olivia Spurgin, volleyball volunteer. Departures: Mikenzie Fletcher, WWES resource special education teacher; Jeremy Bane, LMHS life skills teacher/varsity football and wrestling coach; Sonia Wayt, LMHS special education aide
• Policies: Policies advanced to second reading on topics including firearms/weapons/destructive devices, school wellness, responsible use of technology and internet; wireless communication devices; attendance/academic engagement/truancy prevention; medical needs; justifiable decrease; budget adoption/implementation; purchasing procedures/capital assets; free/reduced-price meals; public records and support organizations. They could be approved at the board’s next meeting, which will be one week later than usual, at 6 p.m. June 17 in LMHS, 215 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City.
• A resolution of declaration of official intent to reimburse expenditures
• A yearly stipend for East Central Indiana Special Services Local Education Agency fees for WWS’ financial manager and human resources director for services related to ECISS responsibilities.