Parental Concerns Voiced To Wawasee School Board
December 14, 2022 at 9:50 p.m.
Parental Concerns Voiced To Wawasee School Board
By Caleigh Byrer-
A new plan of action for Milford Middle School was also discussed.
As the Board requests patrons who will be speaking on the same topic elect a representative for their cause, the large group who attended the meeting let Becky Levinson and a few other parents voice their collective apprehension.
Levinson stated, “I really hope that this district takes this opportunity to be strong leaders and to show the students that sexual harassment and assault are not acceptable behaviors and that you treat it with the same severity as you do other types of confrontation that seem to have a zero tolerance policy.”
Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer addressed the group, stating, “There was an incident that happened on Friday at Wawasee High School, yesterday was the first day that we were really able to get in and start investigating. These processes take time to work out, you have to give our folks some time ... I would hope that you have some faith in our team that we will address things where they need addressed. I want to ensure to you that we are working on it. I would be happy to sit down with any of you individually or a small group of you that want to talk about it.”
The school corporation attorney, Tim Shelly, said, “I understand where you’re coming from ... It is my obligation as an attorney to you all and to the school corporation to make sure that these policies are followed and appropriate discipline is imposed, but I can’t do anything, Dr. Troyer can’t do anything, the Board members here can’t do anything unless we know about it.”
Everyone reached the consensus that there is an ongoing investigation into the issue, but it was noted that parents and students should come forward with any information that they have about this and any other incidents of this nature. Many avenues can be taken to report these actions and Troyer affirmed that they are dedicated to the resolution of these issues.
As for Milford Middle School, an engagement strategy will be put in place to help bring all three communities together in the process of evaluation for authentic stakeholder and community member input. Dr. Jim Halik will be assisting with the project as a facilitator for an exhaustive facilities and educational specifications study that is set to begin in late February.
The project will consist of a training session with the Board in January, followed by five meetings that will take place, one in each of the school facilities. These meetings will consist of a tour and a presentation of a particular topic of importance prepared by industry professionals.
These topics will consist of facility needs, demographic study results, curriculum and programming needs, school finance and corporation debt capacity among many other matters. These meetings will be followed by work sessions in which an elected committee of 40-45 members will develop ideas to present to the board.
These meetings will occur on four consecutive Mondays beginning Feb. 27 and concluding with a lengthy work session March 25. The Board members are presently considering individuals in local communities that would serve well on the committee.
“The process is as important as the outcome,” Troyer said. “In this case, we’re putting together a process that is designed to collect as much input and stakeholder feedback as possible.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong presented PSAT scores gathered from 10th-graders and some select 11th-graders in comparison to state and nation scores. This chart revealed that scores have increased significantly since the 2021-22 school year.
Geoff Walmer chimed in on this presentation, “Two years ago, in English language arts, we were 26 points below the state. This year, we were seven points above the state. In math two years ago, we were nine points below the state, now we’re 16 points above the state.”
Wilfong is hopeful that in the near future, the Graduates Prepared to Succeed scale will replace the current A-F grading system. The new scale is intended to be more comprehensive and is based on academic mastery, credentials and experience, communication and collaboration, work ethic and civic, financial and digital literacy.
Tuesday was the final Board meeting for Rebecca Linnemeier and Rob Fisher. Linnemeier stated, “I want to say I really appreciate everyones support of me, the communities support of me for 16 years ... it’s bittersweet because I still have the passion but it’s just time to move forward.”
Fisher said of his 12-year tenure, “It’s been a nice ride ... we have great teachers and great administration, it’s not really my doing but I feel like we’ve done a lot ... I appreciate it and I’m glad I did it.”
Troyer revealed that another warrior athlete, Cameron Zimmerman, has received an IHSAA Exemplary Behavior Report for demonstrating great sportsmanship during a wrestling match. The corporation also received numerous donations: $500 from Arlene Mohler; $1,000 in the form of a Paths to Quality award; $500 from the Builders Association of North Central Indiana; and $8,500 from Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.
A new plan of action for Milford Middle School was also discussed.
As the Board requests patrons who will be speaking on the same topic elect a representative for their cause, the large group who attended the meeting let Becky Levinson and a few other parents voice their collective apprehension.
Levinson stated, “I really hope that this district takes this opportunity to be strong leaders and to show the students that sexual harassment and assault are not acceptable behaviors and that you treat it with the same severity as you do other types of confrontation that seem to have a zero tolerance policy.”
Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer addressed the group, stating, “There was an incident that happened on Friday at Wawasee High School, yesterday was the first day that we were really able to get in and start investigating. These processes take time to work out, you have to give our folks some time ... I would hope that you have some faith in our team that we will address things where they need addressed. I want to ensure to you that we are working on it. I would be happy to sit down with any of you individually or a small group of you that want to talk about it.”
The school corporation attorney, Tim Shelly, said, “I understand where you’re coming from ... It is my obligation as an attorney to you all and to the school corporation to make sure that these policies are followed and appropriate discipline is imposed, but I can’t do anything, Dr. Troyer can’t do anything, the Board members here can’t do anything unless we know about it.”
Everyone reached the consensus that there is an ongoing investigation into the issue, but it was noted that parents and students should come forward with any information that they have about this and any other incidents of this nature. Many avenues can be taken to report these actions and Troyer affirmed that they are dedicated to the resolution of these issues.
As for Milford Middle School, an engagement strategy will be put in place to help bring all three communities together in the process of evaluation for authentic stakeholder and community member input. Dr. Jim Halik will be assisting with the project as a facilitator for an exhaustive facilities and educational specifications study that is set to begin in late February.
The project will consist of a training session with the Board in January, followed by five meetings that will take place, one in each of the school facilities. These meetings will consist of a tour and a presentation of a particular topic of importance prepared by industry professionals.
These topics will consist of facility needs, demographic study results, curriculum and programming needs, school finance and corporation debt capacity among many other matters. These meetings will be followed by work sessions in which an elected committee of 40-45 members will develop ideas to present to the board.
These meetings will occur on four consecutive Mondays beginning Feb. 27 and concluding with a lengthy work session March 25. The Board members are presently considering individuals in local communities that would serve well on the committee.
“The process is as important as the outcome,” Troyer said. “In this case, we’re putting together a process that is designed to collect as much input and stakeholder feedback as possible.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong presented PSAT scores gathered from 10th-graders and some select 11th-graders in comparison to state and nation scores. This chart revealed that scores have increased significantly since the 2021-22 school year.
Geoff Walmer chimed in on this presentation, “Two years ago, in English language arts, we were 26 points below the state. This year, we were seven points above the state. In math two years ago, we were nine points below the state, now we’re 16 points above the state.”
Wilfong is hopeful that in the near future, the Graduates Prepared to Succeed scale will replace the current A-F grading system. The new scale is intended to be more comprehensive and is based on academic mastery, credentials and experience, communication and collaboration, work ethic and civic, financial and digital literacy.
Tuesday was the final Board meeting for Rebecca Linnemeier and Rob Fisher. Linnemeier stated, “I want to say I really appreciate everyones support of me, the communities support of me for 16 years ... it’s bittersweet because I still have the passion but it’s just time to move forward.”
Fisher said of his 12-year tenure, “It’s been a nice ride ... we have great teachers and great administration, it’s not really my doing but I feel like we’ve done a lot ... I appreciate it and I’m glad I did it.”
Troyer revealed that another warrior athlete, Cameron Zimmerman, has received an IHSAA Exemplary Behavior Report for demonstrating great sportsmanship during a wrestling match. The corporation also received numerous donations: $500 from Arlene Mohler; $1,000 in the form of a Paths to Quality award; $500 from the Builders Association of North Central Indiana; and $8,500 from Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation.
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