Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LARWILL - The Whitko School Board read reports and approved several items on their agenda during their regular meeting on Monday.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Korus reported they have been doing capital project tours throughout the district, and have been meeting with the chief financial officer, facilities manager, principals, the head custodian and herself to "look for areas that need improvement.” Summer school will end this Friday and the roofing project has started for South Whitley Elementary.
Principals and faculty were not required to be at the meeting; however, several of them sent in reports for the board to go over. Many of the principals reported that the end of the school year was extremely successful, with Joel Holsopple, principal of South Whitley Elementary School, reporting every third-grader passed this year’s IREAD, and nine other students passed on the second opportunity.
Several of the directors reported that they are working on organizing and doing maintenance work, so everything runs smoothly next school year.
Drew Benedict, the athletic director, reported sophomore Meredith Hindbaugh was voted Third Team All-State and First Team All-Conference, and freshman Chloe Keen was awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference for softball. Seniors Grace Burnworth and Catherine Deckena advanced in girls' tennis and will be playing at the Northwood Regional as a number one Doubles Team.
The board also:
• Approved employment actions, except for the approval of Jaydon Boyer as assistant athletic director, which failed with no discussion from the board. Added and approved were three individuals for employment actions.
• Approved meal prices for the 2026-27 school year.
• Approved the first reading of the Wireless Devices Prohibition Policy 4307.
• Approved of first reading of the Teacher Appreciation Grants Policy 3416, replacing 3220.01. Board Secretary Lynn Studebaker asked if they will have more information on what the criteria will be on selecting teachers, to which Korus stated that as the Department of Education “changes it, that could also change.”
• Approved of After School Central’s request to use a Whitko school bus and hire a Whitko driver for a trip to Kings Island Amusement Park on July 14. After School Central will pay all expenses and have provided proof of liability insurance.
Approved to offer a variety of outdated computer and technology equipment for sale, and selling the 2016 Black Chevy Impala LTZ with 138,375 miles.
• Approved of the Whitko Administrator handbook, Whitko certified staff handbook, Whitko administrator handbook, Whitko Junior High School handbook, Whitko Elementary student handbook and the Whitko Elementary staff handbook for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Approved of the second and final approval of ISBA Book 8000 policies, as presented.
The next school board meeting is at 5:30 p.m. July 20 in the Whitko Career Academy lecture room.
