Emily Worrell, left, and Dr. Steve Troyer, new Wawasee Community School Corporation superintendent, listen to community members during a meeting Wednesday night. Worrell, a first grade teacher at Milford Elementary, is interim public relations person for the superintendent.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Information, questions, comments and open discussion was the atmosphere at a community gathering Wednesday evening to meet Dr. Steve Troyer, new superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation. This was the third community meeting since Troyer was appointed to replace Dr. Tom Edington. Edington retired after 13 years as superintendent Dec. 31.

One thing that appeared as a desire — for the communities and school corporation to work together and not be adversaries.

The small group — two town officials, township trustee, two local business owners, sheriff, a community member and a resident from the Syracuse/North Webster community — gathered at the Milford Community Building to listen to Troyer’s goals and plans, and to ask him questions.

“I love Milford and the community and glad I can continue being involved with Milford School and the kids I worked with there,” stated Troyer, who noted being back in Milford provided him a comfort level he gets every time he comes to Milford. “I like coming home.”

Ron Baumgartner, publisher of The Papers Inc., greets Dr. Steve Troyer.

Troyer stated the community meetings allow him the opportunity to talk about what the plans are for Wawasee and for him as a superintendent to build strong bonds with the communities and rebuilding relationships. He has a desire to get the bond between the communities and schools in the community to get back to the point it was when communities rallied around the schools with the shut down last March.

Emily Worrell, a first grade teacher at Milford, was introduced as his interim public relation partner. He stated the need for communication between the superintendent’s office, the staff and the community has been heard over and over and he is working to improve that aspect. He said he is being diligent in meeting with people and “listening to what the needs of the school and community are.” This includes meeting with staff at all buildings, parent organizations and community people to “figure out what we are doing really well as a corporation and having things brought to our attention to us for improving.”

Troyer provided background information on himself, priorities for his superintendency, goals and the various phases he set to accomplish during the year. A majority of the information provided is in the “Entry Plan Dr. Steve Troyer Transition to Superintendent 2020-2021,” found on the corporation’s website home page under “New Superintendent Transition Plan 2020-2021.” The eight-page document can be viewed online or downloaded. (Click here to view)

Questions varied from schools’ ratings to would Milford ever lose its school as indicated during a 10-year plan presentation to a local service club by school board President Becky Linnemeier and Edington.

It was suggested Troyer consider a full time public relations official who people can contact. “We’re working every day to put into place a plan for something like a PIO,” Troyer stated. It was noted it is critically important for the public to be able to pick up the phone and get information on what is being heard.

Following Troyer’s statement of the importance of hearing from the public allowing the corporation and community to work together instead of being adversaries with the end goal of being on the same team, Becky Alles, township trustee, noted she was pleased to hear that comment.

Becky Alles, resident and Van Buren Township Trustee, offers some comments during the open meeting.

Time was spent discussing the grades the state has given the corporation, with Patrick Tranter, Syracuse, disagreeing with the grades Troyer used. During the discussion an explanation was given how the state determines those grades. Troyer and Worrell also expressed the frustration the teachers have with the grading system.

Alles expressed “school is for instruction, education,” and how growth factors for some don’t come until later in life. She stressed “you need to look at children as individuals.” Troyer agreed there is frustration.

Clay Brooks questioned college preparedness for students. “Are we preparing our students to succeed at the college level?” Troyer stated it is a challenge “at both ends of a spectrum.” He noted work to ramp up dual credit and AP programs at the high school are in the works, yet the Pathways program is needed to prepare students to be workers and have the skills needed. It was noted not all Pathway programs were devoted to career readiness as some are college prep programs. It was also stated it is difficult for Wawasee, due to its size, to offer everything for every situation but the corporation is “trying our best.”

Ron Baumgartner, publisher of The Papers Inc., commented the school is among the soul of the community. He referenced previous considerations of consolidating middle schools and the recent investment of capital to remodel the school as part of a 10 year plan. He reiterated the need for the school to remain and be a part of the community. “Milford School is a critical component of the community.”

Troyer understood the concern and stated Baumgartner is “absolutely right.” Troyer stated there are no plans or discussions regarding the closing of Milford School. He also noted Milford School is among possibly three schools in the state that house K-8 students. “I never heard of closing this building or not having the building in the community.”

There was also a comment made there are rumors all middle school classes will move to Wawasee Middle School. Brooks noted Linnemeier and Edington had stood in that same building and showed a 10-year-plan for every facility and Milford was shown to have an exit date. It was also stated there was talk of making Milford an agriculture school.

“I’ll tell you my perspective. There has been no conversation of Milford School closing and sending students to a different school. Milford is a very unique building. It is one of three public K-8 schools in the state. It is a cool concept … don’t know of any plans … I have a heart for that school. It is important to this community.”

Clay Brooks, left, talks with Wawasee School Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer following a community meeting.

Tricia Gall, Milford clerk-treasurer, questioned what plan is there to balance test scores and building expectations when social and emotional growth is not shown from test scores. Troyer noted expectations will be on the shoulders of school principals and empowering them to work with the staff. “One of the things really interesting of the five schools, there are three very distinct communities. Their buildings feel different … create a unity and alignment.” He noted accountability, strategic planning are goals and improving schools is critical. Troyer noted on several occasions the excellent staff in the schools and the good group of principals in each buildings he will be working with to grow and develop. “They all bring a unique perspective and all are passionate about improving and getting better.”

Comments were expressed regarding the change in the community demographics and culture of today’s students compared to the 1950s and 1960s, even 15 years ago. “It is a very different culture and as a teacher I don’t care (about ratings). No child can learn when they are hungry or not loved,” said Worrell.

Troyer noted feedback from the community is needed and there are plans to create an advisory group in each community to give insight and feedback. He noted there is also a need to use community resources and volunteers from the community. He expressed a desire to get the community involved even at the elementary level as things are looked at to accomplish.

A group of nine individuals attended an informal community meeting with new Wawasee Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer. From left are Ron Baumgartner, Ken Long, Becky Alles and Clay Brooks. In back are Karena Wilkinson and Tricia Gall.