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SYRACUSE — The Wawasee School Corporation Board selected a new member Tuesday, following a special meeting that featured interviews with three candidates seeking to fill a recent vacancy.
The opening came after longtime board member Steve Baut stepped down, prompting the board to interview applicants and appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
During the meeting, candidates Shane Bucher, AJ Risendorph and Beth Beer answered a series of identical questions from board members, addressing responsibilities of the role, community expectations and how they would handle common scenarios faced by school board members.
Across all three interviews, themes of transparency, trust and adherence to the chain of command emerged repeatedly.
Shane Bucher
Bucher, a Milford-area resident with previous experience as chief deputy in the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office and member of the Van Buren Township Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of respecting administrative structure and maintaining unity within the corporation.
“When you start jumping over the chain of command … that causes friction,” he said, adding board members must rely on the superintendent and established processes rather than intervening directly in day-to-day issues.
He also pointed to community concerns over the past several months, saying residents want clearer communication about the district’s direction and goals.
AJ Risendorph
Risendorph, director of athletics at NorthWood High School, highlighted service to students, staff and the broader community as central to the role. He stressed listening to concerns while directing issues through appropriate channels.
“It is not the responsibility of myself to solve that problem,” Risendorph said. “Chain of command is very important.”
He also noted the importance of long-term planning, particularly as the board prepares to hire a new superintendent in the coming months, calling the decision “paramount” for the district’s future.
Despite his interest in filling Baut's vacancy, Risendorph said he would not be running for reelection if selected.
Beth Beer
Beer, a retired Wa-Nee educator with more than four decades of experience, focused on advocacy for students and teachers, as well as fiscal responsibility and policy adherence. She said community members are looking for transparency, improved morale and clear long-term planning amid concerns about enrollment and finances.
“I just want to be an advocate … for kids,” Beer said, describing her desire to continue serving public education in retirement.
All three candidates agreed handling complaints should begin with listening and guiding individuals through the proper administrative chain, and that board members must avoid interfering in operational matters.
Following the interviews, the board moved into its selection process. A motion was made to appoint Beer, citing her experience, willingness to serve beyond the interim period and familiarity with the school system.
Board members also noted potential concerns about public perception if multiple members shared close professional ties with another candidate, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding community trust.
Discussion also referenced endorsements expressed during the interviews, including Risendorph voicing confidence in Beer’s qualifications.
Ultimately, the board voted to appoint Beer to the position.
Board members said all three candidates were strong and expressed appreciation for their willingness to serve, particularly given recent scrutiny and challenges facing the board.
“This is a thankless job,” board member Mike Fowler said during the discussion, adding community trust and transparency remain key priorities moving forward.
The board concluded the meeting by thanking all applicants and reaffirming its commitment to rebuilding trust with the community as it moves ahead with upcoming decisions, including the search for a new superintendent.
The Wawasee School Board will next meet for a work session April 6 at the Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.
