Western Wayne Schools is planning to expand its preschool and offer an open house to show off its new renovation. School officials hope both efforts will help recruit more children to attend WWS.
During its Jan. 14 school board and board of finance meeting, Superintendent Kelly Plank noted that retaining and increasing enrollment is important for the district’s long-term health as some of its largest grants are disappearing. She said government budget cuts mean the grants aren’t renewable.
The open house at Lincoln Middle/High School, 205 E. Parkway Drive, is planned for Feb. 27 in connection with its boys basketball game.
In addition to refreshed facilities, board member Brent Fortman said the community is positive about LMHS’ new leadership. LMHS Principal Melissa Zimmerman said Carrie Mastriano, new assistant principal, has transitioned into her role seamlessly and is already making a meaningful impact and building positive relationships.
WWS’ current enrollment is 632, nearly half its 2008 enrollment of 1,147. Plank noted a birth rate decline plus students transferring out of WWS. Currently, 796 school-age students live in the district, meaning about 160 go elsewhere for schooling.
One sign for optimism is that WWS’ enrollment is six students higher than the October count, which is against trends.
Board member Jenni Risch asked if WWS was investigating more grant opportunities. Plank said she has tried, but everything has “dried up.” A service that helps WWS with grant compliance and reimbursement actively seeks grants for its clients, but it hasn’t found anything to replace them.
Plank hopes WWS’ addition of low-cost, full-day preschool for 2026-2027 will help families stay in the district. The board approved a new preschool handbook at the meeting.
Plank has asked principals to determine their schools’ specialties to help with marketing and staff talents to potentially expand career pathways.
In other business
- WWS has scheduled Feb. 16 as a snow makeup day if needed. Synchronous learning days (live virtual instruction) will be used if needed instead of adding more days. Elementary students must participate for at least two hours, and it’s three hours for middle/high school.
- WWES’ programs include a Jan. 15 semiformal for kindergartners celebrating getting through the alphabet and February’s Literacy Night featuring an author.
- The board approved a $250 donation from McDonald’s for athletics, an overnight field trip for Business Professionals of America’s state competition, a music department chocolate sale from Jan. 26-Feb. 9 and FFA strawberry sale from Feb. 2-20.
- Ann Oakes and Shari Cox were appointed to Dublin’s library board.
Personnel
- Retirement: Jan Lunsford, LMHS secretary/treasurer (effective June 30)
- Hire: William Redd, LHS teacher
- Transfer: Amy Bex to district media specialist
- Coaching/extracurricular: Robotics coaches Kevin Munchel LMHS, Kari Christie, WWES; LMHS Art Club sponsor Lena Suman
- Departures: Misty Ingalls, STEM/media specialist; Thomas Draper, LHS long-term English substitute; Mercedes Gilpin, WWES instructional aide; Jerry Ingalls, LMHS instructional aide
The board reelected President Kris Bex, Vice President Jenni Risch and Secretary Brent Fortman and chose those three for the same roles on its board of finance. Member Amber Rushton was absent.
Peggy Huesman was reappointed as district financial manager and Robin Hokey as human resources director. It also approved the 2026 contract between AJ Sickmann of Boston Bever Forrest Cross and Sickmann as WWS attorney.
A version of this article appeared in the January 21 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.