Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) was awarded a $75,000 Opportunity to Learn Project Planning Grant from Indiana Lifelong Learning Projects, Inc. (ILLP).
The grant supports a districtwide planning process focused on removing non‑academic barriers to student success and strengthening supports that promote attendance, belonging, mental health and family engagement.
WCCS’s strategic planning process, shaped by extensive community surveys, highlighted several non‑academic factors that directly affect student achievement. Families and community stakeholders emphasized the need for broader access to extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that some students miss because of transportation, financial or scheduling barriers. Respondents also raised concerns about student belonging, noting that economic differences, geographic isolation within the rural district, and limited relationships with trusted adults can contribute to disengagement. Mental health supports emerged as a priority, with families and staff identifying gaps in access to counseling, social services, and early intervention. The community also expressed a strong desire for improved parent engagement, citing work schedules, transportation, digital access, and unclear communication channels as obstacles to involvement.
During the planning period, WCCS will pursue a process grounded in direct feedback from building staff and community partners. A primary focus will be sustaining and expanding attendance supports. Columbia City High School currently benefits from a Dean of Attendance position. The planning work will identify strategies that fit the needs of Whitley County students and families to expand roles and capabilities that serve our students and their attendance.
To strengthen student belonging, WCCS continues to investigate mentor program models, examining possible structures, staffing needs and community partnership opportunities that can build stronger connections between students and trusted adults.
In the grant proposal, at the elementary level, the district plans to explore whole‑family support programming in response to counselors’ observations that parents frequently seek guidance on how to support their children’s learning and well-being at home. Given the high demand for the district’s licensed mental health counselor program, WCCS will also assess options to expand access to counseling supports so more students and families can receive timely help.
“We are grateful to Indiana Lifelong Learning Projects for this investment in planning that will help us remove barriers keeping students from fully engaging in school,” Dr. Trent Lehman, WCCS Superintendent, said. “This grant gives us the time and resources to listen more deeply to staff, families and community partners and to design sustainable solutions that support attendance, belonging, and mental health across our district.”
WCCS will continue to share updates and ask for community feedback to help strengthen the awarded grant’s capacity.
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About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at [www.wccsonline.com](https://www.wccsonline.com).
Media Contact
Dr. Trent Lehman, WCCS Superintendent, lehmantm@wccsonline.com
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