Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees officially approved the hiring of a new superintendent and assistant superintendent during a special meeting Tuesday at the Wawasee Professional Learning Center.
Dr. Kent Myers was approved as the district’s next superintendent, while Dr. Michelle Walden was approved as assistant superintendent following unanimous board votes.
Board members outlined the months-long search process during the meeting, which began after former Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer announced his resignation in February. Board member Don Bokhart said the district worked with the University Search Team and legal counsel to review candidates, conduct interviews and complete reference checks before selecting Myers.
"Six candidates were interviewed," Bokhart said. "Upon determination of a candidate for superintendent, we worked again with Tim Shelly, legal counsel from Warrick & Boyn, to create a contract."
Bokhart said the proposed superintendent contract was publicly posted for the required 10-day review period. According to Bokhart, the contract removed an automobile stipend that had appeared in a previous superintendent contract and instead included a $5,000 incentive for the superintendent to move into the district, reflecting feedback from community members. He also said Myers requested his raises be tied to teacher raises.
Board President Andy Cripe said Myers’ experience and ties to the community made him the board’s top choice.
“Our primary goal was to find a superintendent who will lead Wawasee to become the district that we all believe in,” Cripe said. “We are confident that we have done that.”
Myers comes to Wawasee after spending 26 years with Concord Community Schools.
"Myers has served as a teacher, building administrator, director of exceptional learners and assistant superintendent throughout his 28 years in education," Bokhart said. He also noted his wife, Kathy Myers, has taught social studies at Wawasee High School for 26 years.
Myers said he had not been actively searching for superintendent positions, but felt called to pursue the Wawasee role.
“I wanted the right job,” Myers said. “Throughout the process, I have felt called and a connection to Wawasee.”
He said he plans to spend his first weeks listening to staff and community members while also addressing immediate district needs, including hiring a principal for Syracuse Elementary School and an assistant athletic director.
Although Myers’ contract officially begins Wednesday, July 1, the board announced he will start work Wednesday, June 10 to help prepare for the upcoming school year. Interim Superintendent Dr. Diane Woodworth said her final day with the district will be June 9. Woodworth said she enjoyed serving the district and is looking forward to returning to retirement and spending time with her grandchildren.
The board also reassigned former Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shelly Wilfong to an expanded version of the district’s director of special services role, now titled director of exceptional learners. The position includes oversight of special education, English-language learners, high-ability students and reading intervention programs.
“We have not had a director of special services since last fall,” Bokhart said. “To support the needs of the students, we partnered with an outside agency to ensure compliance ... this was at significant cost to the district.”
Bokhart said the restructuring was intended to strengthen student support services while reducing outside consulting costs. He said Walden brings experience as a science teacher, building principal and assistant superintendent, with leadership responsibilities in curriculum, instruction, transportation and school operations.
Walden said she was drawn to the district by the community’s passion and support for students.
“This role is much more than a job to me,” Walden said. “The entire process has been a complete walk of faith.”
Walden said she plans to begin work June 15 and looks forward to building relationships throughout the district.
