WWS superintendent testifying against state funding cuts

Western Wayne Schools Superintendent Andy Stover plans to testify that proposed state funding cuts of approximately $300,000 to $1 million for Wayne County districts will harm public education.

At WWS’ Feb. 12 board meeting, Stover said he would go to Indianapolis this week to testify against the budget proposal that has struck fear in school corporations across the state. All local superintendents are “in lockstep” that it would have a tremendous negative impact on school operations.

Stover encouraged residents to contact State Sen. Jeff Raatz and State Rep. Brad Barrett to share concerns.

Board president Dave Sturgis said he hopes the bill will be updated during negotiations. Most people involved in schools think they’re underfunded rather than overfunded, Sturgis said.

Renovations

A resident asked why the first project scheduled during upcoming renovations is the school gym when she believes some academic areas should be prioritized.

The board is reviewing sealed bids submitted two weeks ago of approximately $7.8 and $7.6 million.

Stover said the gym isn’t top priority, but that timing would avoid classroom disruptions and finish work before basketball season.

Sturgis agreed that academic structures should be prioritized.

He said this money became available as prior bonds are paid off, and WWS has been careful in working with financial advisers. He compared it to paying off a car loan and then buying another vehicle.

Three facilities studies were conducted to analyze the life expectancy of equipment from blacktop to rooftop, Stover said.

In the past couple of years, WWS committees discussed potential needs and sent a survey to gather community input. The priority list was updated in March 2024 during a board meeting.

Board member Jenni Risch said they’re revisiting that list before committing to a bid. Legal counsel and architects are being consulted.

Board secretary Brent Fortman said high priority projects include HVAC and roofing because of deferred maintenance over the years.

“Just upgrading what we didn’t fix over the past 20 years is a lot of money,” he said.

In other business

• Noncertified raises: Employees who serve in non-teaching roles will receive 3% pay increases.
• Technology agreement: WWS’ Information Technology Director Ben Burris resigned from his position after an agreement with Peru School Corp. was approved. Burris will work for Peru for three days per week and WWS for two. Stover called it a tremendous opportunity for Burris to work for a larger district, and it offsets much of WWS’ expense. It’s not unprecedented, because WWS and Blue River have been sharing Burris’ time. WWS employee Jordan Scruggs and two interns are on site, and Burris can be contacted if needed when away.
• Grants: WWS has received a $35,000 cybersecurity grant to protect sensitive information and will open bids in March for $220,000 in camera and surveillance system replacements funded by the Department of Justice. WWS conducted an executive session Feb. 6 on school safety matters.
• Policies: The board conducted a first reading on topics such as secure testing protocols, audio/video recording in class, third-grade retention and appeal procedures, attendance requirements for transfer students, trans fats and sugar in cafeteria food, purchasing and medical supplies. Policies could be approved at the board’s 6 p.m. March 12 meeting.
• Personnel: Teacher hires: Sonia Wayt, Spanish; Michael Lathery, high school science. Coaches: Caleb Craig, middle school track assistant; Houston Cornett, volunteer varsity baseball. Departure: Jadelyn Neagle, ag teacher
• Donations: Archery: $1,000, American Legion Post 169, $250, Quick Pix; and $200 from Miller Wood. Cheer: $500, Sharon Baker. FFA: $550, Contract Industrial Tooling; Keystone Co-op, $300; Cambridge City Chamber, $200. Girls basketball: $100 in memory of Charlene Cloyd Ervin