The Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees met Monday, July 20, for its regular monthly meeting. The Board recognized student and staff accomplishments, reviewed academic results, and approved updates related to teacher evaluation, technology use, staffing, and district finances.
Parkview Services
Representatives from Parkview Health shared a brief overview of wellness, mental health, and athletic services available to WCCS students and staff.
The partnership includes staff wellness coaching, school-based mental health counseling, two full-time athletic trainers, a strength and conditioning coach, and access to sports nutrition and mental performance services. Parkview reported more than 2,000 visits to district athletic trainers during the past year, along with strong use of the Student Assistance Program following its expansion to the middle and high schools.
Student and Staff Recognition
The Board recognized Alissa Roberts, who was recognized as Indiana’s FCCLA Teacher of the Year at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference.
Several Columbia City High School students also earned national recognition in FCCLA STAR events. Emma Flanagan earned gold in Fashion Construction. Amira Smith earned silver in the Job Interview category. Isis Coney and Emily Waybright earned silver in the Sustainability Challenge. Abraham Walter and Dylan Geiger earned bronze in Promote and Publicize.
Elaina Hurst, Riley Zimmerman, and Torah Holler were recognized as recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship. The competitive award provides up to $40,000 for students attending an Indiana college or university and preparing to become teachers.
District leaders also shared encouraging academic results. Nearly 70 percent of WCCS Advanced Placement exams received a score of three or higher, placing the district above the state average in AP achievement.
Preliminary IREAD results show continued improvement across the district. All general education students who took the assessment passed, and the passing rate among students receiving special education services increased from the previous year. Northern Heights Elementary is expected to again exceed the state’s 95 percent proficiency goal, while the district’s other elementary schools are expected to approach that state benchmark.
The Class of 2026 posted a graduation rate of 96.5 percent, up from 94.9 percent the previous year.
Board members also recognized WCCS students participating in the Whitley County 4-H Fair and former agriculture teacher Dean Warren. Warren wrote the textbook “Small Animal Care and Management,” now in its fourth edition, and has donated proceeds to support the state’s FFA programs.
The Board also welcomed Trent Lehman to his first official meeting as WCCS superintendent.
Teacher Evaluation Model Approved
The Board unanimously approved a revised Certified Teacher Evaluation and Growth Model for the 2026-2027 school year.
Teachers, administrators, and an educational consulting group helped develop the model. District leaders also reviewed the proposed changes with representatives from the Whitley County Teachers Association.
The new model includes a more detailed classroom observation rubric, clearer timelines, individual professional growth goals, and defined expectations for professional responsibilities. It is intended to provide more consistent feedback and place greater emphasis on professional growth and improved instruction.
The Board also approved the first reading of revised Board Policies 3142 and 3220. The changes align district policy with recent changes to Indiana law and the newly approved evaluation model.
State law no longer requires the labels highly effective, effective, improvement necessary, and ineffective. Teachers will instead receive a score based on the district’s approved evaluation system. The policy revisions also update how evaluation results may be considered during a reduction in force.
Technology Policy Updated
The Board unanimously approved the first reading of a revised Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
The update combines several older policies into one document and adds current expectations for district devices, internet safety, privacy, cybersecurity, and generative AI.
WCCS will also provide families with information about Qustodio, which allows parents to add restrictions to district devices used at home.
The policy permits approved uses of AI but prohibits using it to misrepresent student work, avoid assigned learning, disclose confidential information, or violate academic integrity.
Other Board Action
The Board also approved the 2026-2027 school board meeting calendar, seven adjunct teacher permits and employment agreements, and a transfer from eligible debt service cash balances to the Operations Fund to help offset financial effects associated with Senate Bill 1.
The consent agenda, including financial claims, payroll, personnel recommendations, meeting minutes, and field trips, was also approved.
Community Programs
The Board thanked the United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko Counties and its partners for providing over 1,500 bags of food to families throughout the county this summer.
The Whitley County Resource Fair will be held August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Indian Springs Middle School. Families will have access to school supplies, meals, haircuts, clothing, health services, activities, and information from local organizations.
About 50 incoming kindergarten students also began the district’s two-week Start United program. United Way provided $20,000 to fund the program, which helps students become familiar with school routines leading up to their first day of kindergarten.
The Board’s next work session is scheduled for August 3, and the next regular Board meeting will be held August 17. Following adjournment, the Board met briefly in executive session as previously scheduled.