In its quest to increase the student population, Western Wayne Schools is considering relaxing its enrollment requirements for out-of-district students interested in its extracurricular activities.
Currently, WWS doesn’t allow transfer students to participate in sports, robotics or other activities unless they’re attending in person full-time.
However, Indiana High School Athletic Association has decided that students can be enrolled in one course to be eligible for that school’s sports if the school permits that participation.
Because WWS uses block scheduling, one course would be 25% of their schedule. The school would receive 25% of each student’s state tuition dollars.
WWS board made no decision at its Wednesday, March 11, meeting, and agreed to revisit a potential policy update at its 6 p.m. April 8 meeting. The public is invited.
Superintendent Kelly Plank noted pros and cons to the change, and she welcomes the public to contact her by email to kelly.plank@wwayne.k12.in.us with their opinions and insights on other schools’ handling of this opportunity.
New students would bring more revenue and help increase athletic team sizes. Plank said any injury or absence makes a difference with small rosters.
“We want to be relevant and competitive in our athletics program, and that’s going to include increasing our numbers,” Plank said.
Board member Brent Fortman said welcoming part-time students at the elementary and middle school levels could encourage them to attend Lincoln High School full time when they’ve made friends. Lincoln Middle/High School Interim Principal Melissa Zimmerman said if they can get students in for sports or activities, she’s confident they can recruit them for academics.
One concern is that IHSAA doesn’t govern middle school athletics. WWS holds Lincoln’s middle school athletes to the same attendance and grade standards that high schoolers have to follow. However, Plank said if they enrolled in one block, they’d have a daily opportunity to check in about attendance and academic performance.
Transportation
Noting Centerville-Abington’s interest in offering busing for some transfer students, Plank said WWS already stops in Connersville, and near Centerville, Hagerstown and Tri.
WWS is also considering a bus route from Richmond because it’s already transporting LMHS students to Richmond Area Career Center.
Plank said they’re willing to help prospective families with transportation, and asked those interested to contact WWS.
Scheduling
LMHS is adding Advanced Placement classes and promoting graduation pathways this fall.
Assistant Principal Carrie Mastriano and guidance counselor Melody Mills are expanding work-based learning options.
They’re emphasizing a student-driven focus during registration to help shape what classes will be offered based on interests.
In addition, LMHS will offer two new AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Business with Personal Finance. They’re also encouraging dual-credit courses.
Mastriano noted LMHS is offering seven graduation pathways, which she called “amazing for our small school.”
LMHS partners with career centers in Wayne, Fayette and Henry counties to offer additional options.
Powerful response
Elementary students were especially excited when storms caused an extended power outage earlier that day.
WWS appreciated Nettle Creek Schools Superintendent Emily Schaeffer delivering Uncrustables sandwiches. Plank said Schaeffer was the first to reply, and all schools she contacted were willing to provide food.
In other business
- June’s meeting was rescheduled for 6 p.m. June 17.
- Kim Pattison was appointed as WWS’ new representative for Cambridge City Public Library’s board.
- Donations: Dot Foods, $5,000 to athletics for Take a Shot with DOT; Rihm’s Foods, $100 to prom; Dungan Plumbing, $100 to archery; anonymous, $350 to archery and $50 to the library in memory of LMHS student Jayden Robinson
- Approved a memorandum of understanding with Girls Inc. of Wayne County for its instruction in WWS classes, and an agreement with BakerTilly municipal advisers for financial projections.
Personnel
- Hires: Destini Morell and Ashley Morris, WWES instructional aides; Jaylan Melerowicz, LMS special education; Michelle Meadlo, LMS in-school suspension/permanent substitute; Aubrey Trent, Jacob Ervin and Brody Puckett, LMS track coaches
A version of this article appeared in the March 18 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.