Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LARWILL – The Whitko Community School Board applauded their final students of the month, gave congratulations on retirement for a couple staff members and welcomed the new wrestling coach. during their meeting on Monday.
Staff recognized students for May for their willingness to help others, exceptional work ethic, their hard work, character, positive impact and attitude, never complaining when things get hard, but most of all for always being a kind person and friend to others. The May students of the month were Ty Ward, Cecilia Wendel, Ethan Perkins and Luke Warner.
Liz Riggers, principal of Pierceton Elementary School, and Kari Walmer, director of special services, spoke about the retirement of Cheri Bryan and Angie Speicher.
“Together they represent decades of dedication and service to our students,” said Riggers. “I just want to sincerely thank them … on behalf of all of us at Pierceton, for everything they have done for us.”
Dr. Amy Korus, superintendent for Whitko Community Schools, and Walmer reiterated Riggers’ thanks for their years of service. Walmer noted they will be having a retirement party for Bryan and Speicher, at 2 p.m. June 7 at PES.
A presentation from one of the agriculture students was shared to the board. They shared the major parts of the ag program, which include: rabbits, chickens, the greenhouse, apple and pear trees and goats. The program also had a Maxxum 150 tractor, that will be used for planting and harvesting hay, that was donated by Case IH and Redline. All proceeds that go from selling the animals, plants, or any other product goes to support the ag program and the Whitko FFA.
They shared the agriculture program received a grant to clean and clear all the invasive species in and around the pond behind the Career Academy. They stated that it would be used for activities, and “so it looks nice and pretty.”
Jeremy Lopez will be the new Whitko wrestling coach for next year. He stated that with Whitko being a relatively prestigious school when it comes to wrestling, that he wants to bring back the “Matt Koontz era of success,” again.
Other Business
• May 20 will be the work-based learning and capstone appreciation night.
• May 27 will be CTE orientation night where new students and parents will be able to meet staff, the areas they will be learning and have the opportunity to learn more about the work-based learning programs. This will also be when seventh grade students will be invited to be able to see if a CTE program is a path they want to go on.
• Graduation will be at 6 p.m. May 29 at the WJSHS gym.
• The Tiny House Open House will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
• Open enrollment is still happening and they are looking to enroll as many students as possible.
The following items were approved:
• The revenue report, appropriation report, fund report and financial report.
• Extra-curricular reports for PES, SWES and WJSHS.
• Approval of ISBA policies: Book 8000 on first reading, with the second and final reading at the June 15 school board meeting.
• Approval of the Whitko Food Service Handbook, Whitko Substitute Handbook, Whitko Transportation Handbook, and the Whitko Non-Certified Handbook for the next school year 2026-27.
• Approval of field trips.
Second and final approval of ISBA Book 7000 policies, as presented.
• The next school board meeting is at 5:30 p.m. June 15 in the Whitko Career Academy lecture room.
