WCS Board Welcomes New Personnel
WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ board of trustees met in limited strength Wednesday, July 24.
The board postponed its regular meeting due to illness. However, the panel was still able to hold its executive session and work session. Board President Heather Reichenbach, along with members Randy Polston and Elle Turley were present, with Jay Baumgartner, Jeremy Mullins, Brad Johnson and Mike Coon absent.
During the meeting section commonly called the “Getting to Know The Warsaw Tiger Team,” the board met newly-hired Athletic Director Matt Binkerd, Warsaw Community High School Assistant Principal Amanda Nine and Band Director Mark Ziegler.
Binkerd said he had experienced tremendous community support since arriving in the area. He moved to the area from Eugene, Ore.
Nine taught and served as an administrator at several schools, including Westview and her alma mater of West Noble.
Ziegler is a Columbia City native who also taught in Covington, Ky., but told the board he was looking forward to moving back to this area to be near family.
The board also recognized Betty O’Hara and April Fitterling for receiving certifications from the Indiana Association of School Business Officers. During the personnel report, O’Hara listed numerous open positions currently available at WCS. She said those positions are listed on the website wcsjobs.com
Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert gave the board an update on potential projects and financing and told the board that the school system boasts 6,000 students, 1,200 employees and approximately 18,000 miles of bus routes.
He included in the update a review of state funding, which has changed in recent years and Hoffert has kept the board updated vigorously on the changes.
“We’re looking at the long term needs,” Hoffert said. “Are predicted to stay steady in looking at our enrollment. That’s a very reassuring piece when it comes to looking at our facility plan.”
Hoffert added that projected losses in population in the southern portion of the county has prompted a closer look at Claypool Elementary School.
“We want to be equitable and we want safe learning spaces for our students,” said Hoffert. “We want to prepare our students for their future, not our past.”