Improving student achievement, strengthening classroom instruction, and expanding educational opportunities were central themes of the Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) Board of School Trustees meeting on Monday, October 12.
District leaders reviewed student assessment results, discussed curriculum planning efforts, and received board approval for two planning grants totaling $175,000 to support future student opportunities and services.
Using Assessment Data to Strengthen Instruction
Superintendent Dr. Trent Lehman and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Seth Slater presented the district's 2025–2026 assessment results, highlighting strengths in English/language arts (ELA) and opportunities for improvement in mathematics and other subjects.
Across grades 3–8, 45% of WCCS students demonstrated proficiency in ELA, exceeding the statewide rate of 42%. WCCS students performed above the state proficiency rate in four of six tested grade levels, including grades 3, 6, 7, and 8. While reported proficiency percentages were higher than the previous year across all six grade levels, Indiana's redesigned ILEARN assessment establishes a new baseline for 2026, meaning direct year-to-year comparisons should not be used to measure growth.
In mathematics, 40.7% of students demonstrated proficiency compared to 42.7% statewide. Third- and fifth-grade students exceeded state proficiency rates, while results in other grades reinforced the need to strengthen foundational mathematics skills, problem-solving, and mastery of grade-level standards.
A key takeaway was that many students are closer to proficiency than overall scores suggest. By examining individual student performance and specific learning standards, teachers can identify learning gaps and better target instruction.
During the district's September 25 professional development day, teachers examined assessment results alongside curriculum maps and classroom assessments to identify instructional improvements. That work will continue throughout the year, with increased attention to mathematics while sustaining progress in literacy.
The presentation also highlighted Advanced Placement results at Columbia City High School, where 69.27% of AP exams earned scores of 3 or higher, exceeding Indiana's overall rate of 65.7%.
Reviewing Curriculum Alignment
Slater outlined efforts to formalize the district's curriculum materials review and approval process. The proposed process will clarify which resources require board approval under Policy 2510 and which may be approved administratively, while ensuring instructional materials align with district curriculum and state standards.
As WCCS continues refining curriculum maps and course expectations, the district plans to present a consolidated list of instructional material requests to the board each spring to maintain transparency and oversight.
Board Approves $175,000 in Planning Grants
The board unanimously approved two planning grants focused on expanding educational opportunities and addressing barriers to student success.
Mrs. Lori Heuer, Director of CTE and Talent Development, presented a $100,000 Don Wood Foundation Career Ready Planning Grant to explore expanding robotics and automation opportunities within Columbia City High School's engineering pathway.
The grant will support planning for curriculum, equipment, and programming that connects students' early interests in robotics with high school coursework and future careers. WCCS may subsequently pursue an additional grant of up to $1 million for implementation.
Mr. Lyle Kuhmichel, Director of Student Services, presented a $75,000 Opportunity to Learn planning grant, funded by Lilly Endowment through the Indiana Lifelong Learning Project.
The initiative will help WCCS examine barriers to learning, including attendance, transportation, extracurricular access, and mental health needs. Working with staff and community partners, the district will identify strategies to better support students and may become eligible to pursue up to $2.2 million in competitive implementation funding over three years.
Celebrating Student and Staff Success
Student accomplishments included Columbia City High School students earning 104 industry certifications during the first quarter, the Marching Eagles qualifying for the Scholastic State Finals, and numerous athletic and extracurricular achievements. CCHS also reported a first-quarter attendance rate of 95.45% and improved student grades compared to the previous year.
The district recognized eight WCCS educators honored by the United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko Counties for their contributions to students and schools.
The board also congratulated Dr. Seth Slater on the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation.
Looking Ahead
WCCS remains focused on ensuring every student has the instruction, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed. Through data-informed teaching, stronger curriculum alignment, and expanded student supports, the district continues working to turn identified needs into improved learning outcomes.
###