Board Meeting Recap
Wayne Local Schools - April 14, 2025
Welcome!
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A Quick Look
- Recognition of 2025 Project Excellence Winners
- Spartan Recognition Celebration
- Approval of WHS Gym Floor Naming
- Public Participation
- Superintendent's Report
- Student Board of Education Update
- Consent Agenda - Treasurer
- Consent Agenda - Superintendent
Key Items
Project Excellence
Two WLS teachers were recognized for their dedication and excellence in teaching through the Warren County Project Excellence Awards. Mrs. Molli Janusik (WES First Grade Teacher) and Mrs. Tracy Reeves (TESOL Teacher - teaches English to speakers of other languages) were congratulated by the WLS Board, Dr. Ison, Mrs. Huber, and the district administrative team. Mrs. Janusik and Mrs. Reeves will attend the Project Excellence Banquet at the Warren County Career Center on May 7, 2025.
Featuring Mrs. Tracy Reeves (TESOL Teacher)
Spartan Recognition Celebration
Twice each year, seven students and three staff members are honored for exemplifying leadership, compassion, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude. These outstanding qualities contribute to a supportive and thriving learning and working environment, promoting success for members of the WLS school community. These 2025 Spartan Recognition Award Winners were highlighted and congratulated:
STUDENTS
Whitley Hernandez (kindergartener)
Birdie Nuttall (2nd grader)
Finley Childs (4th grader)
Laura Miller (6th grader)
Malaina Garrett (8th grader)
Anya Whitt (10th grader)
Bella Poteet (12th grader)
STAFF
Mr. Brent Jordan (Custodian)
Mrs. Lisa Pittman (WES Teacher)
Mrs. Lindsay Smith (WHS English Teacher)
Pictured (L-R Back) are Mrs. Lisa Pittman, Anya Whitt, Mr. Brent Jordan, Malaina Garrett, Laura Miller, Bella Poteet, and Mrs. Lindsay Smith; (L-R Front) Birdie Nuttall, Finley Childs, and Whitley Hernandez.
Approval of WHS Gym Floor Naming
The Board approved the commemoration of the WHS Gym floor in honor of Coach Tim Gabbard, the retired Varsity Girls Basketball Coach who dedicated 46 years of service to the program.
Public Participation
One individual thanked Dr. Ison, Mrs. Manley, and the WLS Board team for their work to facilitate the organization of a school-sponsored Lacrosse club.
Superintendent's Report
School Calendar for 2026-27
The first readings of the the 25-26 Student Handbooks took place, as did the first reading of Dr. Ison's recommendations for social studies and foreign language curriculum purchases.
Elementary
Waynesville Elementary School Student Handbook
Junior/Senior High School
Waynesville Junior/Senior High School Student Handbook
Revision Summary to Jr./Sr. Student Handbook
Social Studies and Foreign Language
Recommended Curriculum Purchases for Social Studies and Foreign Language
Superintendent's Update
Dr. Ison shared the progress of the curriculum advisory team in identifying modifications, especially in the areas of social studies and foreign language, based on emerging needs and changes in academic standards. Dr. Ison also shared news about these student-related topics:
1. He congratulated the cast and crew of WHS's Spring Musical, Seussical, on a job well done throughout program preparation and presentation.
2. Dr. Ison updated the Board about WHS senior Amanda Tudela earning the Franklin B. Walter Scholarship award, along with Decker Atkins of the Warren County Career Center. Amanda was also selected as the 2025 Warren County Overall Star Recipient—the first in WLS history to earn this distinction. On Monday, April 14, 2025, Amanda joined other star recipients from across the state to be formally recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association, the Warren County ESC, and school administrators from across the state.
3. Finally, Dr. Ison highlighted a positive story about the WHS Flex Factor Team who recently competed in the Regional Flex Factor Competition. After winning our local competition, juniors Abby Buck, Jackie Wright, and Lola Dubard competed with their project Neuropasock, and sophomores Ross Barrett, Benny Bingle, Mac Sullivan, and Riley Fox competed with their project Refrigerator Gator. Neuropasock placed 1st out of 14 teams, while Refrigerator Gator placed 5th.
Student Board of Education Update
Student Board Representatives Blake Amburgy, Belle Dimbath, and AJ Larsen shared school news and information, including the following:
Success of Leukemia & Lymphoma Campaign, the WHS Prom on April 26, National Honor Society organizing a service project to support elementary students in need. They also mentioned the collection of $1000 and 13 carts of needed items (including food) one Saturday from Kroger patrons; these funds will go toward NHS's bag filling project. Leo Club members visited Quaker Heights to spread good will and paint residents' fingernails. Student Board Representatives added that the Waynesville Leo Club was just selected as the top Leo Club in the State. Leo Club membership continues to grow. Dr. Ison shared his appreciation for the time and service of students in Leo Club.
Consent Agenda - Treasurer
Treasurer Carolyn Huber opened with donations accepted by WLS in March.
Mrs. Huber said revenue and expenses are typical at this point in the school year. She shared a finance presentation and the March Financial Report.
Other items that were recommended for approval by Mrs. Huber include the following:
An Amendment to FY 25 Appropriations
Waynesville High School Bleacher Replacement, which amounts to $165,650; this is $10,000 under the amount estimated.
Purchase of four School Buses from Rush Truck Center per the Southwest Educational Purchasing Co-op bid price of $123,749 each; total cost is $494,996.
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 consent agenda items that were recommended by Dr. Ison:
Approval of Varsity High School Lacrosse as a school-sponsored club for OHSAA Girls and Boys
Dr. Ison thanked Mrs. Manley, Lacrosse parents and players, and the Board for working together to create the school-sponsored club.
Second Reading and Approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar
Second Reading and Approval of Athletic Student Handbook
Approval of three Overnight Camps and Day Camps (Penn State Volleyball Camp for JV and Varsity players, Universal Cheer Association Camp for High School Sideline Cheerleaders, and Waynesville Spartan Basketball Youth Day Camp for boys and girls in grades 2-6.
Approval of School Breakfast and Lunch Prices for the 2025-26 School Year
Approval of Student Accident Insurance Carrier - Please visit Board Docs for information regarding the insurance carrier and the student insurance application.
Approval of Director of Operations Job Description
The Superintendent’s consent agenda items were approved.
Upcoming Board Meeting
The Board of Education will meet on May 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the WLS Performing Arts Center (second floor) for a regularly scheduled business meeting.