Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Teachers at Wawasee Schools are seeking more input into the hiring of a new superintendent.
Although Wawasee Community School Corporation board members said teachers can provide input through written comments pertaining to what type of person is best for the job, the board wants exclusive control in the final hiring decision.
On Monday, Wawasee Community Educators Association president Charlie Packer called for more input.
"We're asking the board to reconsider the plan," Packer said after the meeting in which he addressed the board.
While written input is "fine," teachers want more of a role, he said.
"We do feel once the screening is done, that the interviewing should include not only teachers, but administrators. We're the people who will have to work with this person on a daily basis," Packer said.
Packer, who has served for seven years, said teachers, administrators and even students have had a greater role in the process in the past.
Board members had no reaction after Packer's request.
Board president Carol Swartzendruber pointed out afterward that the board has always had the final decision in the process, and that the board is entrusted as trustees of the school district to make that decision.
She said teachers' written comments can provide direction for the board in terms of the type of person they should look for. Some might prefer a person who is willing to participate in many activities or who believes in strong ties to the business community, she said.
She said input is being sought from the entire school community.
The board has set a deadline of Nov. 15 to accept applications for the position and hopes to hire a new superintendent by the end of the year.
With upcoming elections, Swartzendruber stressed that any newly elected board members would be part of the selection process.
The board also defended its decision to use an outside advisory team made up of representatives from Ball State, Indiana and Indiana State universities.
The advisory team has worked with nearly 150 school corporations in selecting new superintendents in the past. The team can provide expertise in reviewing the applicants and is likely familiar with some of the people who might be applying.
Board member John Weiss assured people at the meeting that "They are not going to select our superintendent."
Use of an outside advisory team is new for the school district.
"I don't know why it wasn't used before. I don't know if we were aware of (the service)."
Swartzendruber said the only expense for the district would be travel expenses for the three people.
The opening was created when Henry Smith resigned unexpectedly two months ago. Mark Stock has been appointed interim superintendent.
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Two recycling events are lined up during the next two weekends in Kosciusko County.
Organizers are hoping the second annual tire and appliance amnesty day will be as successful as the first. Last year, more than 350 households took advantage of the event.
The tire and appliance amnesty day is set for 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 19 at Lewis Salvage, and if you can't haul items to the site yourself, help is available.
While area residents are encouraged to haul in their own appliances, Waste Management will pick up appliances for a $15 fee. Anyone needing delivery should call 269-3635 to schedule it.
Free tire pickup is also available. Anyone unable to transport their own used tires can call Sam Brown at 372-9511.
Area residents can bring in up to 10 tires free of charge. A $1 fee for every tire over 10 will be assessed.
Appliances can also be dropped off free of charge. Organizers will remove old freon from refrigerators.
Neighborhood organizations that have collected tires are encouraged to call the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District for special arrangements.
Last year, 250 vehicles dropped off tires and appliances, and Waste Management collected more than 100 appliances from homes. The district removed freon from 253 appliances and collected 53,000 pounds of steel from the items.
Meanwhile, the Blue Heron Environmental Committee will hold a recycling day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Any type of paper product will be accepted, including telephone books, magazines and catalogs. The committee includes representatives of the solid waste district, Lewis Salvage and Migler Inc., a Kendallville company that receives the recyclable products.
For more details, call the district office at 372-3087.
