Board Meeting Recap

Welcome to our WLS Board of Education Recap. This document provides an overview of the broad topics covered at each board meeting. If you prefer more detail, please access Board Docs at wayne-local.com.

We are using a platform that includes translation features in many different languages. From your phone you can click on the "Translate" button in the banner across the top of your screen to select a language. Our goal is to make this content quick, easy to read, and mobile-friendly. If you have questions, please email nmescher@waynelocal.net or contact us at the Wayne Local Schools Central Office at (513) 897-6971. Thank you.

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Superintendent's Report
• Superintendent's Update
• Student Board of Education Representatives' Report
• Consent Agenda - Treasurer
• Consent Agenda - Superintendent
• Board of Education Report

The meeting opened with a welcome from Dr. Ison and by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Waynesville Scouting America Troops 1051 and 51.

Public Participation

There were no public participants at this meeting.

Public Participation Policy po0169.1

Dr. Ison shared the first reading of the changes and edits to the WLS Bylaws and the Policy Book policies. These changes are made to stay aligned with the State of Ohio. He also discussed the school calendar for 2027-2028, which will be brought to the Board in March for approval.

First Readings

Changes to WLS Bylaws and Policy Book Policies

School Calendar for 2027-28

Dr. Ison invited Director of Operations, Ryan Fullenkamp, to provide a facilities update.

Facilities and Operations

• Mr. Fullenkamp said he is working with SRO Mermann and Technology Director Nick Jones to review security camera coverage and broader safety needs.

• He added that the district is also reviewing facility rental usage and fees.

Capital Projects and Planning

• Mr. Fullenkamp reported the chiller ordered last summer is expected to arrive around Spring Break.

• He is gathering estimates to support updates to the district’s master facilities plan.

Dr. Ison also reviewed the costs and logistics of recording and/or streaming Board of Education meetings. The Board discussed potential options, including audio and video, along with the equipment needs and associated costs for each.

Representatives: Connor Larson, Shree Patel, and Blake Suittor

The Student Board of Education shared information about these events and updates:

The WHS Winter Formal Dance is on February 21. Scheduling for next year is set to begin. The league title game is on February 10. Students interested in attending the game at Valley View are invited to take the bus. Girls Basketball won their league game. WMS student athletes had a winter sports pep rally. The WHS Letters of Love Club is growing with interest from WMS students. Letters of Love members write notes of encouragement to children receiving care in hospitals.

Mrs. Huber provided the Board with an overview of the district's finances and shared a financial forecast update, noting that the forecast is now due in February (instead of May). She explained that the most significant change since the October forecast involves property tax revenue, driven by property tax reform by state legislators. Mrs. Huber emphasized that this projected revenue shift does not change the district’s timeline or need for new operating dollars. The district’s last new operating dollars were in 2009.

As part of the update, Mrs. Huber explained that the district plans to pursue a levy in the near future. The current balance of the General Fund is $7,864,233.

Property Tax Reform

Mrs. Huber noted that homeowners are not expected to see changes from property tax reform until the second half of the calendar year. She added that property tax bills may appear higher initially, but homeowners should receive a credit in the fall.

Mrs. Huber's presentations are available under the Treasurer Consent Agenda items, 6. For more information, please refer to the minutes from the February 9, 2026 Board meeting on BoardDocs.

Finance Presentation

December Financial Report

January Financial Report

The Treasurer's consent agenda items were approved.

As is standard at every Board meeting, Dr. Ison presented several personnel approval recommendations. Here are the other items that were recommended by Dr. Ison:

1. Resolution to declare transportation impractical to student attending private school.
2. Approval of Membership to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for 2026-27 school year
3. Camps/Trips - 2026 Little Spartans Youth Volley Ball Camp and Spring League
4. Satellite Agreement with Warren County Career Center for 2026-27 school year
5. Second Reading and approval of the WMS Program of Studies and the WHS Program of Studies

The Superintendent’s consent agenda items were approved.

Nicole Bouch (Board Member), Richie Bowling (Board Member), Amanda Garrett (Board President)

David Hurley (Board Vice President), and Danny Manley (Board Member)

Mrs. Bouch gave a legislative update regarding the following bills:

SB19 - Academic Intervention

SB156 - Success Sequence Curriculum

SB34 - Historical Documents

HB485 - Baby Olivia Act

HB486 - American Heritage Act

The Board also discussed the next Finance Committee Meeting and the upcoming community survey.

The Board of Education will meet on March 9, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the WLS Performing Arts Center (second floor) for a regularly scheduled business meeting. Board meetings are open to the public and can provide context to decision-making that affects our schools and community.