Wawasee School Board Member Steve Baut Resigns

SYRACUSE — A surprise resignation, updates on summer programming and discussion of a proposed collaborative park in Milford highlighted the Wawasee School Board's Monday work session.
Board member Steve Baut announced he will resign as the Milford district representative effective today, citing personal attacks related to his living arrangements following his divorce.
“Serving in the role of representing Milford has been an honor for me,” Baut said. He added while he can withstand criticism, involving his family crossed a line. “This is not a sign of weakness. It’s a defense of what matters most.”
Baut said he will continue to support the school corporation in other capacities, including coaching. Board members noted they have 30 days to fill the vacancy or the appointment will default to a judge. The typical process includes posting the vacancy, accepting applications and conducting interviews.
Board President Andy Cripe thanked Baut for his service.
“The last six or seven months have been really challenging,” Cripe said, adding the board will move quickly to begin the replacement process.
The board also addressed concerns raised during its Feb. 10 meeting regarding an alleged incident involving a building trades instructor. Cripe clarified the instructor referenced by Fairfield parent Alicia Smith - Jeff McClure - is employed by Fairfield Community Schools and no Wawasee students were involved in that specific project this year.
On financial matters, administrators provided updates on the middle school pool project, including ongoing work on a punch list and boiler replacement. Officials said water quality is tested multiple times daily and remains within acceptable ranges.
Administrators also addressed concerns about compensation for paraprofessionals and other hourly employees during weather-related closures.
"Principals have been directed to allow paraprofessionals to make up missed hours, and most have already done so," interim Superintendent Dr. Diane Woodworth said.
Woodworth added the district is developing contingency plans for next school year in case of additional snow days, including identifying alternative assignments that would allow hourly staff to continue working during closures. Board members acknowledged the financial constraints involved but said they are working toward solutions that provide greater stability for employees.
Director of Facilities Wade Wirebaugh provided an update on construction progress at the renovated middle school pool. He said the project remains under the original $8.5 million budget and that remaining punch-list items will be addressed after the current swim season concludes.
The board received a presentation from Tricia Gall, clerk-treasurer of Milford, regarding a conceptual plan for a Milford Collaborative Park on property behind Milford School. The proposal includes restoring a ball field and adding sidewalks and other amenities in phases, beginning with site work and a baseball field.
"My knee-jerk reaction is that I like this, but money is tight," Cripe said, asking what estimated costs were.
Gall said initial cost estimates for the first phase are approximately $1.5 million. She outlined potential grant opportunities, including the Community Amenities Program and K21 Health Foundation, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the effort between town and school corporation.
Board members indicated interest in exploring grant opportunities and said they would consider a resolution of support at an upcoming meeting to allow grant applications to proceed.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong introduced a memorandum of understanding with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County to implement a Summer Learning Lab program in 2026. The five-week program would serve rising first- through sixth-grade students from June 8 to July 8, with academic instruction in the morning and optional afternoon enrichment.
The program would be funded through a grant administered by the Boys & Girls Club, with Wawasee providing space at Syracuse Elementary and transportation. Wilfong said statewide data shows participating students have seen gains of about 25% in English language arts and math.
The board will vote on the memorandum at its next regular meeting.
Members also discussed a resolution to declare certain equipment and furnishings at Milford School obsolete, allowing items to be donated or auctioned as the building’s use changes. Officials said they have met with the Milford Food Bank regarding possible donations and with auction representatives to handle surplus items.
Additionally, administrators reported more than 500 responses have been received for the community survey related to the superintendent search, which remains open through Friday, March 6.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.