After considering 10 candidates, Western Wayne Schools’ superintendent finalist has accepted its job offer.
The school district had not yet shared the person’s name. The public can comment on the proposed contract next week.
WWS’ board will hear residents’ objections or support for the contract during the legally required public hearing at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. It will be in Lincoln Middle/High School’s Room M80, 215 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City. Residents also can submit comments before Aug. 17 to publiccomments@wwayne.k12.in.us.
Immediately after the hearing, the public is invited to stay for the board’s special meeting to consider approving the contract.
Alice Johnson, interim superintendent and a member of the university search team that helped facilitate the advertising and selection process, said WWS’ board reviewed 10 applications and invited six candidates for interviews.
From those semifinalists, two finalists were asked to return to make presentations and respond to additional questions from board members. The district’s building principals also participated in the process, Johnson said.
The board then extended an offer to a finalist, who accepted.
Johnson said she has been impressed by the board’s diligence throughout the process.
“The board has been thoughtful and deliberate in examining the candidate pool, with particular attention to curricular expertise, student achievement, financial stewardship, and the ability to build and nurture relationships that will further the district’s mission and create opportunities for both the schools and community to soar,” Johnson said.
About the contract
The superintendent would receive a combined salary and benefits worth $169,161.97, including a $118,000 base salary.
Proposed benefits include $26,166.97 for health, vision, dental, life and disability insurances and $144.66 for workers’ compensation. The candidate could receive annual allowances of $6,000 for a vehicle and $1,020 for a cell phone. Contributions toward the state teacher retirement fund and an annuity would be $17,975.
The salary and benefits are similar to those for WWS’ two previous superintendents who were hired in 2022 and 2025. The phone and vehicle allowances are identical from last year; annuity contributions are increasing $150.
The proposed salary has increased $3,000 since 2025, and insurance increased $2,496.
Kelly Plank’s 2025-2026 contract was $3,293 less than her predecessor Andy Stover’s first contract in 2022 because of lower insurance contributions.
A version of this article will appear in the August 12 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
