Board Meeting Recap
Wayne Local Schools - January 12, 2026
Welcome!
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.
A Quick Look
- Board organizational meeting for 2026
- Board meeting dates approved for 2026
- Board appointments
- Superintendent's Report and Update
- Consent Agenda - Superintendent
- First Readings
- Bullying Reports
- Student Board of Education
- Consent Agenda - Treasurer
Carolyn Huber (Treasurer) administering the Oath of Office to Amanda Garrett (Board President)
Key Items
The Board conducted its annual organizational meeting; Amanda Garrett was elected President, and newly elected Board member, David Hurley was elected Vice President for 2026. Both were sworn in by Treasurer, Mrs. Carolyn Huber. Also sworn in were newly elected Board members, Nicole Bouch, Richie Bowling, and Danny Manley.
Board Meeting Dates
The Board approved several procedural items during the meeting, including the meeting dates for the year. Here are the meeting dates for 2026:
February 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
April 13, 2026 (student and staff of the semester recognition in the PAC Auditorium)
May 11, 2026
June 8, 2026
July 13, 2026
August 10, 2026
September 14, 2026
October 5, 2026
November 9. 2026 (student and staff of the semester recognition in the PAC Auditorium)
December 14, 2026
* All WLS Board of Education meetings are held on Mondays in the Performing Arts Center, second floor Board Room unless noted above.
Appointments to Ohio School Boards Association Committees
Board members appointed to OSBA Committees include the following:
OSBA Legislative Liaison and Capital Conference Delegate: Nicole Bouch
OSBA Capital Conference Delegate Alternate: Danny Manley
OSBA Student Achievement Liaison: Danny Manley
The Board will maintain memberships in the Ohio School Boards Association and the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2026, consistent with memberships held in 2025.
Mrs. Huber administering the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members, Richie Bowling, Nicole Bouch, Danny Manley, and David Hurley.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Ison noted that January is School Board Recognition Month, with this year's theme, "Scaling New Heights in Public Education." He also shared updates regarding the 2026 Program of Studies for WMS, the Program of Studies for WHS and Bullying Reports for all schools.
First Readings
The Board completed a first reading of the WMS Program of Studies and the WHS Program of Studies.
WMS Program of Studies (draft)
WHS Program of Studies (revisions in progress)
Bullying
Bullying Reports were submitted for August 2025 through December 2025 for Waynesville Elementary and Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville High School, together. The Board and administration will continue to closely monitor initiatives to foster an environment of inclusion and a positive school culture.
Superintendent's Update
Dr. Ison also informed the Board of these past and future events:
Professional Development Day
On January 5, the district had a productive professional development day which included 1N5 Power of Play promoting mental health through play and connection for students and staff as well as a required ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) for staff.
Athletic Boosters Fundraiser
On January 14, the Harlem Wizards will take on the WLS staff in the WHS Gym; ticket information was shared.
Board Workshop
Dr. Ison also shared that a Board Workshop is scheduled for February 2 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room.
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:
1. Second Reading of the Preschool Handbook for 2026-27.
2. Resolution to declare transportation impractical to student attending private school.
3. Approval of WHS Marine Biology student trip to Bahamas (for interested students). This trip is March 28-April 4.
The Superintendent’s consent agenda items were approved.
Public Participation
There were no public participants at this meeting.
Student Board of Education
Representatives: Connor Larson, Shree Patel, and Blake Suittor
The Student Board of Education shared information about these events and updates:
Congratulations shared with Ms. Garrett on her new role as the Board President; Basketball team plays Valley View this week, upcoming Wizards game, positive student reaction to new WMS and WHS cell phone policy, graduation email, StudentSquare launched this week (students learning about StudentSquare); WES students excited about earning Sparty bucks, a recognition for good behavior; formal has been canceled in previous years due to not enough participation but this year is on the calendar; seniors writing pen-pal letters with sixth graders; Leo Club attending a convention next month; Leo Club asked to donate blankets to homeless in Dayton; student council donating funds for a therapy dog for the WMS and WHS; and PBIS activity prepares WMS students for WHS.
Consent Agenda - Treasurer
Mrs. Huber recommended acceptance of donations to the district and acceptance of the annual tax budget.
Mrs. Huber informed the Board of the FY27 tax budget, which is required for submission to the Warren County Budget Commission. The County Budget Commission reviews the district’s tax budget and, through that process, establishes the district’s tax rates for fiscal year 2027. This is an annual process. The County Budget Commission is comprised of the County Auditor, County Treasurer, and County Prosecutor.
In addition, Mrs. Huber reviewed updates since the previous forecast. As property tax reform measures are currently understood, the district is estimating an approximate $2.5 million revenue reduction over the next five years. Mrs. Huber will continue monitoring state action and will reflect any verified impacts in future forecasts as additional details become available.
FY27 Traditional Tax Budget (revised)
For more information, please refer to the minutes from the January 12, 2026 Board meeting on BoardDocs.
The Treasurer's consent agenda items were approved.
WHS Track/Turf Bid Accepted
Mrs. Huber also recommended acceptance of a bid for the WHS Track/Turf Project. The bid by AstroTurf for $829,038 was approved by the Board.
Board Item
The Board discussed the pros and cons of recording/streaming the monthly Board meetings. This topic will be revisited.
January is School Board Appreciation Month
Pictured (L-R) are Richie Bowling (Board Member), David Hurley (Board Vice President), Nicole Bouch (Board Member), Amanda Garrett (Board President), and Danny Manley (Board Member).
February Board Meeting
The Board of Education will meet on February 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.