Board Meeting Recap

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Prior to the regular Board meeting, the Public Records Commission met for its required annual meeting. The commission includes the Board of Education President, Superintendent, and Treasurer.

The Treasurer reviewed Ohio Sunshine Laws related to public records, including how records may be requested and how the district follows its records retention schedule.

Public Participation

There were no public participants at this meeting.

Public Participation Policy po0169.1

Superintendent

Dr. Ison was not in attendance at this meeting. The Wayne Local Schools Board of Education and district leadership extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ison following the passing of his mother on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Board President Amanda Garrett led the Superintendent's Report, which included these topics:

Recognition of the Wayne Local Schools 2026 Project Excellence Award Recipients

The Project Excellence Awards are presented through the Warren County Area Progress Council and honor outstanding educators who make a meaningful impact on students.

Curriculum Presentation and English Language Arts Curriculum Review

Curriculum Specialist Meghan Maloney shared a presentation that focused on continued strengthening of districtwide systems for curriculum, instruction, assessment, resource review, and adoption. The presentation outlined the district’s multi-year curriculum review cycle, which is designed to support consistency across classrooms, align instruction to Ohio standards, and provide teachers with clear, sustainable resources.

Recommendations included new English Language Arts resources for grades 6–12, a common writing platform, continued use and review of approved novels, and math resource recommendations following a year-long pilot process. Board members were also provided an opportunity to submit questions and feedback before final approval discussions.

Curriculum Update and Resource Recommendations

Student Travel Highlights

The Board heard highlights from two recent international travel experiences made by WHS students.

• Marine Biology Trip to the Bahamas

WHS Science Teacher Patrick Hardin and students shared reflections from the WHS Marine Biology trip to the Bahamas. Students discussed the hands-on learning experiences, preparation, and memorable moments from the trip.

• International Art & Culture Trip to Italy

WHS Art Teacher Bethany Lamb and students shared highlights from the International Art & Culture Trip to Italy. Students reflected on the opportunity to experience different cultures, art, history, and travel beyond the classroom.

District Survey

WLS Communications Coordinator Neej Mescher presented an overview of the March 2026 WLS Survey process. The survey gathered feedback from 755 respondents from four stakeholder groups: students, staff, parents, and community.

Shared themes included the strong value stakeholders place on WLS, the importance of future planning related to facilities, funding, and student support resources, school climate, and a continued focus on preparing students for life after graduation.

As part of the district’s commitment to transparency, survey feedback will be shared on the district website and sent to staff and parents through ParentSquare.

District Survey Presentation

Representatives: Shree Patel, Connor Larson, and Blake Suittor

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

They spoke about the recent Baccalaureate Ceremony and the Spartanville Awards and shared reflections from the Senior Scholarship Awards and noted how meaningful it was to see students recognized for their hard work. They also highlighted athletic awards, National Honor Society service projects around campus, the sixth grade-senior pen pal exchange, and the spring AP testing season.

The student representatives also shared excitement for upcoming senior traditions, including the senior parade, senior sunset, a cookout with Mr. Will, and graduation on Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at WHS.

Board President Amanda Garrett thanked Connor, Shree, and Blake for serving as Student Board of Education Representatives and presented them with gifts in appreciation of their contributions throughout the school year.

The Board approved the 2027 Preliminary Budget for the Mary L. Cook Public Library.

Treasurer Carolyn Huber recommended Board approval of several financial items, including donations, appropriation amendments, and the financial report for the month ending April 30, 2026.

Donations listed were from community members and organizations, including support for end of year activities, scholarships, The Coffee Grind, negative lunch balances, Waynesville Elementary School, and the baseball netting.

Mrs. Huber presented the April Financial Report, noting that current revenues are trending slightly below forecast by $123,416, while expenditures are $157,823, resulting in a net positive impact of $34,407 on the cash balance. The General Fund revenue and expenditure overviews show the district remains closely aligned with budget projections, with local revenue at 98.42% of budget and salaries and benefits at 83.03% of the budget.

Mrs. Huber's presentations will be available under the Treasurer Consent Agenda items, 8. For more information, please refer to the minutes from the May 11, 2026 Board meeting on BoardDocs.

Finance Presentation

April Financial Report

The Treasurer's consent agenda items were approved.

As is standard at each Board meeting, several personnel recommendations were presented for approval. In addition to personnel items, Mrs. Garrett presented the following recommendations for Board consideration:

1. Approval of Class of 2026 WHS Graduates
2. Second Reading and Approval of Student Handbooks - WES Student Handbook, WMS and WHS Student Handbook
3. Approval of Overnight Student Camps/Trips
4. Approval of Fourth of July Celebration/Fireworks 2026 by Waynesville American Legion Post 615
5. Non-Renew Pupil Activity Contracts for 2026 Spring Season and 2025/26 School Year
6. Warren County Educational Service Center Contract
7. Approval of School Psychologist Job Description

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 shared that the Education Committee has reconvened but took no action to report as of right now.

Mr. Manley shared appreciation for the process of interviewing new Student Board of Education Representatives. He also highlighted recent student-centered events, including the Art Show and Science Fair.

The Board entered executive session for the purpose of considering the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.

Please access the meeting recording here: 5/11/26 WLS Board of Education Audio Recording

The Board of Education will meet on June 8 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.