The Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees met on June 15 for its regular meeting, beginning with a moment of silence in memory of Columbia City High School student Gianna Bills, who tragically passed away last week. Board members extended their thoughts and prayers to her mother, Kasey, her grandparents, Brian and Vanessa, and all of her loved ones.
Much of the meeting focused on celebrating student achievement and the programs that continue to create meaningful opportunities across the district. Jennifer Reiff, Director of Innovation and Career and Technical Education, shared that WCCS students earned 587 industry-recognized certifications during the 2025-2026 school year. The certifications, totaling more than $51,000 in value, were reimbursed by the state and provided at no cost to students.
Reiff highlighted several accomplishments within the district’s CTE programs, including a 100% OSHA 10 completion rate, 100% pass rates in CNA and Fire 2, strong early results in EMT certification, and automotive certification pass rates of 90% or higher in most ASE areas.
“When students leave our automotive program, they are well-positioned for a high-wage, high-demand job,” Reiff shared during the meeting.
Board members also recognized the success of Summer Theater Camp, which served 101 students in a four-day experience that concluded with a Friday evening performance. Art and music teachers Lisa Stephens, Brandi Duncan, and Taylor Ford were thanked for their leadership, along with the many volunteers and members of the Whitley County Arts Partnership who helped students prepare music, costumes, craft stage, and the final production.
WCCS also celebrated its first middle school construction camp, led with support from Dan Krill. Eight middle school students participated in the weeklong camp, gaining hands-on exposure to construction trades through tool use, a CTE building tour, and time with local business and industry partners.
The Board accepted a DEKKO Foundation grant to support the FFA Livestock Team’s upcoming trip to the Royal Highland Stock Show in Scotland.
“The invitation to Scotland speaks volumes to the effort and commitment that these three young people have put into their time in the FFA Chapter. When young people are in environments that invite self-directed learning and development, they see what they can achieve. We look forward to hearing about the students’ experiences and the skills they have gained,” shared the DEKKO Foundation in support of the grant.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board renewed Food to School Purchasing Cooperative contracts for the 2026-2027 school year and set a five-cent increase for full-pay school lunches. Lunch prices will be $2.60 for grades K-5, $2.75 for Indian Springs Middle School, and $2.85 for Columbia City High School. Free breakfast will continue for all students.
Board members praised the district’s food service team and Food Service Director Lisa Schnorr for keeping meal prices low despite rising food costs.
“I am absolutely impressed at how low we have managed to keep the prices of our meals,” board member James Renbarger said. “Our food service team is doing a fabulous job.”
The Board appointed Kianne Doty to fill a vacancy on the Peabody Public Library Board of Trustees. In her letter of interest, Doty described the library as “one of the most valuable institutions in our community” and emphasized the role libraries play in “fostering literacy, lifelong learning, digital access, and community connection.”
As part of the personnel report, the Board welcomed several staff members into new roles for the 2026-2027 school year, including Emily Harrold as a fourth-grade teacher at Northern Heights Elementary School and Hailey Whiteleather as a WCCS elementary teacher. Lori Heuer will also transition from WCCS Talent Development Director to Director of CTE and Talent Development, reflecting the district’s continued focus on career readiness, teacher development, and student learning opportunities across WCCS.
The next WCCS Board work session is scheduled for Monday, July 6, with the next regular board meeting scheduled for Monday, July 20.