Board Meeting Recap
Wayne Local Schools - July 14, 2025
Welcome!
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A Quick Look
- Superintendent's Report
- MindPeace and NECCO Partnership Update
- Student Wellness and Success Plan
- Consent Agenda - Treasurer
- Consent Agenda - Superintendent
Public Participation
One individual spoke at the meeting about a pay-related issue.
Superintendent's Report
First Reading
Dr. Ison shared the first reading of the 2025/26 Non-Certified Staff Handbook.
First Reading of the 2025/26 Non-Certified Staff Handbook
MindPeace and NECCO Partnership Update
Director of Student Services and Special Education Mr. Kevin Wright shared information about the district's partnership with MindPeace and NECCO's Community Behavioral team, which will be embedded in all schools. NECCO was carefully selected to support WLS students, families, and staff in response to recent assessments conducted in collaboration with MindPeace, a nonprofit dedicated to improving systems to support better mental health outcomes and the Whole Child Framework. The assessment, which included input from students, staff, administrators, and district families, demonstrated a need to expand access to school-based therapy and other services for students across WLS.
Student Wellness and Success Plan
The district's Student Wellness and Success Plan is required to be presented annually at a board meeting, as well as posted on the district's website. You can find the details here: Student Wellness and Success Plan (and/or link to our website: https://tinyurl.com/3vwenrmm)
Dr. Ison added that the district's partnership with MindPeace and NECCO comes at zero cost to WLS, while students and staff will receive an array of mental health supports. He reminded the Board that this school year, WLS will have school counselors and school psychologists in all buildings, positioning the district to better manage the growing number of mental health issues.
Superintendent's Update
State Report Card
Dr. Ison informed the Board that the State is in the process of uploading the raw data for the State Report Card. He will share the results once the information becomes available.
Hiring
Dr. Ison, who also handles the HR function in the district, confirmed that all open positions have been filled.
WLS Staff Opening Day
August 12, 2025 will be the first day back for WLS Staff.
Status of Summer Maintenance and Facility Projects
Dr. Ison and Mr. Fullenkamp provided an update on the district's summer maintenance and facility projects, which include the following:
Maintenance
The blacktop project in the parking lots has been completed. Summer maintenance projects are on schedule to be completed before the first day of school.
WHS Gym Floor
The gym floor is currently being refinished and is scheduled for completion by mid-August.
WHS Bleacher Project
New bleachers will be installed on the home side of the gym in November.
Four New Buses
The District purchased four new school buses to address its aging fleet and establish a consistent replacement cycle. Those buses, now at the WLS Bus Barn, are ready for use.
Cameras on Buses
The installation of a camera system on all school buses has been completed.
Bus Routing System
The district is in the process of implementing a new bus routing system for the upcoming school year. The purpose of this system is 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.
Back-to-School Bash and PBIS Kick-off
Dr. Ison shared that all Wayne Local families are invited attend the district's Back-to-School Bash and PBIS Kick-off on Sunday, August 17 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.
Consent Agenda - Treasurer
Treasurer Carolyn Huber recommended donations; liability, fleet, and property insurance renewal for 2025-2026 through Southwestern Ohio EPC; and the purchase of a Chevy Silverado for maintenance work, including trash removal and snow plowing.
Mrs. Huber presented the June Financial Report, along with a 2024-2025 fiscal year end recap. The full presentation is available under the Treasurer Consent Agenda item 5.E.
The presentation included an update on the state budget legislation. The final approved budget included continuing the implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, including the funding guarantee that WLS relies on, as well as an Academic Performance Bonus that will benefit the district. For more information, please refer to the minutes from the July 14, 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 Athletic Coaches Handbook
- Second Reading and Approval of the Certified Staff Handbooks for Waynesville Elementary and Waynesville Junior/Senior High School
- Approval of Non-Certified Substitution Rates for 2025/26
- Approval of Agreement with NECCO, LLC for child welfare services
- Approval of Camps/Trips
- Approval of Superintendent Consent Agenda Items A-F (Please see Agenda in Board Docs)
- Approval of Supplemental Position for Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC)
The Superintendent’s consent agenda items as well as the supplemental position were approved.
Upcoming Board Meeting
The Board of Education will meet on August 11, 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.