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 Administrative Offices at (513) 897-6971. Thank you.

• Superintendent's Report
• Student Board of Education
• Consent Agenda - Treasurer
• Consent Agenda - Superintendent
• Board of Education

Public Participation

There were no public participants at this meeting.

Public Participation Policy po0169.1

Turf Field and Track

Dr. Ison opened with a discussion about the district’s need to replace the 2013-14 artificial turf field and fix/resurface the existing track. The typical lifespan of a turf field is 10 years, and a track surface typically lasts 10-12 years. There is concern that the existing turf field may not pass an upcoming G-max test, which measures surface safety. Failure to meet standards could result in a shutdown of the field.

"The cost of the project would come from the district's permanent improvement funds, not the general fund. Permanent improvement funds are specifically dedicated to maintaining our facilities, " added Treasurer Carolyn Huber.

Athletic Director Jamie Manley and Assistant Athletic Director Brandon Philpot provided the Board with project history, details on the current field’s condition, and estimated costs for turf replacement.

“It is more than a football field,” shared Dr. Ison. The district’s turf field is used every day for athletic practices and games, band practices, gym classes (WES, WMS, WHS), youth sports teams practices and games, special events like WES’s recent Fun Run, and recess for elementary students. The track is also open to Waynesville community members.

For additional details, view the presentation:

Turf Field and Track Presentation

All attending Board members engaged in discussion and asked questions regarding the turf field and track. Dr. Ison said he will present a recommendation for Board consideration of the project at the November 10 Board of Education meeting.

Bus Safety Week Event on October 20

WLS has been selected as this year’s host site for Ohio’s Bus Safety Week event. Representatives from the Ohio State Highway Patrol will join us to highlight the importance of school bus safety. The event will take place on Monday, October 20 at 10 a.m., near the flagpole, with media coverage expected.

WLS State Report Card with a 5 Star Rating for 2024-2025

Dr. Ison shared Wayne Local Schools has once again earned a 5-star rating on the Ohio School Report Card, continuing a tradition of excellence that began in the 2021–22 school year. This year, WLS is one of only 47 districts across Ohio - out of 607 statewide - to receive an overall 5-star rating. Dr. Ison gave credit to students, district staff, parents, and community members. He also shared that WLS teachers are continually strengthening instruction and adjusting curriculum to best serve all students.

Representatives: Connor Larson, Shree Patel, and Blake Suittor

The Student Board of Education shared these events and updates: Leo Club's Food Drive for the local food pantry collected 34 carts of food and raised more than $700; the Homecoming Pep Assembly included students in grades 6-12, 6th graders recognized for their exceptional Spartan spirit; Leo Club's service efforts were acknowledged - partnership with Kroger, Cancer Walk, sponsorships, photo shoot, WES Halloween event, packaging food for Nicaraguans, and National Honor Society providing brunch for WHS teachers; Finally, the Homecoming Battle of the Hallways had the highest level of participation to date.

Treasurer Carolyn Huber recommended acceptance of donations and appropriation amendments.

Mrs. Huber reported a balance of $12,634,000 in the general fund. She noted that WLS has been deficit spending since 2022, chipping away at the district's cash reserves. Mrs. Huber shared these points:

• Since 2022, the annual expenses have exceeded revenue due to normal operating costs - such as salaries and benefits, services, and supplies - as well as inflationary increases. Just like household expenses, the cost of utilities, supplies, and fuel have increased significantly over the years.

• Our staff is the district's greatest asset, and also the greatest cost. 80% of our school district's expenses are salaries and benefits.

• Revenue is mostly from two sources - state funding and local property tax revenue. The district has received nearly the same amount of money each year since 2020 from state funding. Local property tax values have increased significantly over the past few years, which has allowed the district to realize some growth in revenue.

• The general fund cash balance at fiscal year-end is projected to decline annually, ultimately reaching a negative balance by 2030. The district will be looking at options to cut costs and/or ask the community for a tax levy in the near future.

• The last new money operating levy was approved in 2009. It was renewed as a continuing levy in 2014.

Mrs. Huber presented the September Financial Report and the FY26 Financial Forecast. The presentations are available under the Treasurer Consent Agenda items, 6.

For more information, please refer to the minutes from the October 6, 2025 Board meeting on BoardDocs.

September Financial Report

FY26 WLS Financial Forecast

Finance Presentation

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. Approval of 8th Grade Washington DC Trip
2. Resolution declaring transportation impractical to non-public school students and authorizing in lieu of payments
3. Acceptance of Dave Barton's resignation from the Warren County Career Center Board of Education, as of December 31, 2025
4. Resolution to appoint representative to the WCCC Board of Education to fill Mr. Barton's seat
5. Approval of the Superintendent Consent Agenda Items A-F

The Superintendent’s consent agenda items were approved.

Amanda Garrett was recommended and approved as the WCCC Board of Education representative, filling the vacant seat from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

Treasurer's Contract

A recommendation was made and approved to extend Mrs. Carolyn Huber’s contract as Treasurer of Wayne Local Schools for an additional five years, through July 31, 2031.

The Board of Education will meet on November 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the WLS Performing Arts Center in the Auditorium for a regularly scheduled business meeting and the bi-annual Spartan Recognition Awards Ceremony. The meeting will begin with the awards ceremony, followed by a short break, and will then proceed with the business meeting.

Board meetings are open to the public and can provide context to decision-making that affects our schools and community.

Board Members: Darren Amburgy (President), Brad Conner (Vice President), Jamie Gallagher, Amanda Garrett, and Darla Sackett.