SYRACUSE – Wawasee Community School Corp. is an Energy Star. Superintendent Tom Edington and members of the school board, corporate staff, building principals and representatives accepted plaques from Mike Lindsey of Performance Services, Indianapolis, recognizing all five school buildings’ Energy Star status. The awards were in acknowledgment of the energy management initiative at Wawasee, started in 2009 by the performance company in coordination with the school liason, Bob Lahrman, coordinator of support services. According to the company, Wawasee has saved $280,619 during a 12-month period, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2,185 metric tons. This was made possible by a comprehensive energy analysis and fast-tracked summer renovation projects, including upgrades to the heating and air-conditioning systems, roof replacements and digital control systems for the HVAC systems. No information was given at the meeting on the cost of these renovations. Lahrman said work was actually begun in 2007, and he would have to investigate every job since that for more information. The “No Shave November” and “Blue Jean Baby” programs are off to a good start at Wawasee schools. Edington told the board many employees have signed up to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser. Men can grow beards through the month of November for a $10 donation, and $1 a day allows employees to wear blue jeans to work. Syracuse Elementary Principal Eric Speicher added that first-grade teacher Bill Lantz baited co-workers for an additional $50, promising to wear a suit and tie to school, something he does rarely. Good news reports made up most of the meeting, with Edington congratulating the high school FFA teams for their participation in national competition. In the FFA division, Ashley Helfer was the high individual, and she, with teammates Amanda Bradley, Katie Acton and Sophia Nyce, placed second. Horticulture team members, placing 10th, are Shelby Swartz, Sarah Harden and Kevin Schlipf. He also congratulated teachers Ruth Ayres and Christi Overman on the recent publication of their book, “Celebrating Writers: From Possibilities Through Publication;” and the Milford students featured in the National Garden Association’s publication for their “Healthy Sprouts” garden project. Wendy Hite, special education administrator, was published in “In*Source,” a state parent advisory group’s newsletter. Her article, “A View from All Sides of the Table,” explains how she looks at special needs issues as both a teacher and a parent. In other business, the board: • Heard that the 7th and 8th grade boys basketball program would not change this year. • Learned that approximately 512 students are now participating the Baker Youth Center’s after-school programs held at satellite locations in Wawasee schools.
