Board Meeting Recap
Wayne Local Schools - June 9, 2025
Welcome!
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A Quick Look
- Superintendent's Report
- District Communication Upgrades
- Facility Projects Underway
- Consent Agenda - Treasurer
- Consent Agenda - Superintendent
Public Participation
There were no public participants at this meeting.
Superintendent's Report
First Readings
Dr. Ison shared the first readings of the Waynesville Junior/Senior High School Athletic Department Coaches Handbook and the Certified Staff Handbooks for Waynesville Elementary and Junior/Senior High School.
Waynesville Junior/Senior Athletic Department Coaches Handbook
Waynesville Elementary Teacher Handbook 25-26
Waynesville Junior/Senior Teacher Handbook 25-26
Waynesville Junior/Senior Teacher Handbook Edits 25-26
Bullying Reports
Dr. Ison also informed the Board about bullying incidents and investigations that occurred in January to May, 2025.
Communication
Communications Coordinator Neej Mescher shared information about upcoming improvements to the district's communication platforms. These updates are being made in response to feedback from the WLS Community Survey last fall. The district will introduce a new notification system in August and a new website in December 2025.
The purpose of the communication upgrades is to address the following:
- Provide clear, consistent, and transparent information
- Offer more opportunities for two-way communication
- Meet modern expectations for fast and reliable school updates
- Strengthen engagement between the district and its stakeholders
New Notification Tool - ParentSquare
The district's new notification tool, ParentSquare, will launch in mid-August. ParentSquare supports text, email, and voice messaging and allows recipients to choose how and when they want to receive messages. This user-friendly platform also enables two-way communication and will replace the multiple tools and apps currently in use.
New Website
A full redesign of the WLS website is underway, with a planned launch in December 2025. The new site will offer improved access to information and a more user-friendly experience for families, staff, and the community.
WLS Communication Upgrades Presentation
Superintendent's Update
Dr. Ison provided an update on the district's facility and transportation projects, which include the following:
WHS Gym Floor
The gym floor is being refinished during the summer months.
WHS Bleacher Project
Additional bleachers will be installed on the home side of the gym in November.
Four New Buses
The District purchased four new buses to address its aging fleet and establish a consistent replacement cycle.
Cameras on Buses
The installation of a camera system on all school buses is currently underway.
Bus Routing System
A new bus routing system will be implemented in the 2025–2026 school year to improve route efficiency and service.
The installation of bleachers at WHS and four new buses were funded through borrowing. The debt will be repaid via the Permanent Improvement (PI) fund, sourced from inside millage and increased property value revenue. Borrowing preserves existing funds for essential needs like Chromebook replacements and routine maintenance.
Consent Agenda - Treasurer
Treasurer Carolyn Huber updated the Board on pending legislation that could negatively impact WLS; House Bill 96 would require districts to reduce their cash reserves if they exceed 30% of their annual spending, effectively penalizing those that save strategically to extend levy dollars. House Bill 335, if passed, would eliminate inside millage, further limiting local funding flexibility.
Mrs. Huber recommended donations, a final appropriation measure for FY25, and temporary appropriations for FY26.
She also presented the May Financial Report. For more information, please refer to the minutes from the June 9, 2025 Board meeting on BoardDocs.
The Treasurer's consent agenda items were approved.
Consent Agenda - Superintendent
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:
- Second Reading and Approval of the edits to WLS Bylaws and Policy Book.
- Reading and Math Intervention Teacher job description
- Student Fees and Preschool Tuition - student, academic, pay-to-participate, preschool tuition
The Superintendent’s consent agenda items were approved.
Upcoming Board Meeting
The Board of Education will meet on July 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the WLS Performing Arts Center (second floor) for a regularly scheduled business meeting.
Board Members: Darren Amburgy (President), Brad Conner (Vice President), Jamie Gallagher, Amanda Garrett, and Darla Sackett.