We’re excited to see continued progress at the new CTE building. This week, crews are pouring interior concrete to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place to support our future programming and hands-on learning spaces. The vision is becoming reality!
Getting started is easy, complete your child's enrollment online at: https://skyward.iscorp.com/WhitleyCountyCSDINStuSTS/NewStudentEnrollment/NewGuardianLoginRequest
Then, call your school to schedule your visit. Not sure which school is yours?
Give our Central Office a call at 260-244-5771 and we will help you find your fit.
We look forward to meeting your family and celebrating this exciting first step together.
The deadline to submit an interest form is Monday, February 23, 2026 at 12:00pm.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUhZtlBxQQIsW16aFjznM1QGDXpZKP6Jsw8B01NFocpzFNCw/viewform
Mrs. Mary Ann Schaefer, WCCS School Board of Trustees Vice President and Mr. Tom Rentschler, WCCS School Board of Trustees Secretary, joined school governance leaders from across Indiana at the Indiana School Boards Association’s eighth annual State House Day on February 17, 2026, at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency.
Through deep-dive briefings and direct dialogue with lawmakers, school board members engaged in a unified, statewide advocacy effort to shape thoughtful, student-centered education policy.
The morning opened with a high-level legislative update from the ISBA lobbying team, highlighting bills with significant implications for public education and outlining ISBA’s ongoing advocacy efforts to date. Then, members of the House and Senate education committees participated in a candid panel discussion, providing insights into the policymaking process and the issues driving this year’s session.
During lunch, attendees sat alongside legislators from their region, allowing school board members to share their local priorities and perspectives on how proposed legislation would impact their student populations. The event culminated with a visit to the State House for follow-up conversations with lawmakers.
“This event provides us with the opportunity to meet and talk candidly with our local legislators, such as State Reps. David Abbott and Chris Judy, and State Senator Justin Busch, and to highlight and share about the impact of state-level decisions on Whitley County Consolidated Schools,” said Mary Ann Schaefer, adding that "The dialogue was insightful."
State House Day is a key part of ISBA’s award-winning Legislative Action Network, a statewide program that leverages the unified voices of Indiana school boards to inform, influence, and shape sound education policy.
“School board engagement in organized grassroots advocacy is crucial,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School board members bring attention to issues that might not be on legislators’ radar, and their informed perspectives directly influence lawmakers’ decisions.”
The education committee panel consisted of House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning, Senate Education and Career Development Committee Chair Jeff Raatz, House Education Committee Ranking Minority Member Vernon Smith, and Senate Education and Career Development Committee Member Fady Qaddoura.
State qualifiers Erin Devito, Clarice Joseph, Holly Oelschlager, and Lillian Joseph earned their spots after a historic Sectional that included two new school records and the first girls relay team to advance to State in years, all under the leadership of Sectional Coach of the Year, Coach Megan.
Prelims tonight at 6 PM ET. Finals tomorrow at 1 PM ET.
Watch live: IHSAAtv.org
Go Eagles.
At Columbia City High School, CTE means:
🔹 Real-world experiences
🔹 Industry certifications
🔹 Dual credit opportunities
🔹 Work-based learning
🔹 Direct connections to local employers
CTE isn’t a “track.”
It’s a launchpad. 🚀
We’re proud to prepare students for college, careers, and community impact right here in Whitley County.
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #WhitleyCounty #FutureReady
**Update** For Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, WCCS will be on an E-Learning Day due to continued dangerous road conditions throughout the district and county. Families, please check your email for more information.
WCCS Community,
With Dr. McDermott taking leave for the remainder of the school year, the Board of Education has outlined a leadership plan to ensure stability and continuity. These steps are being taken to ensure stability, continuity, and clear leadership during this period of transition.
At the February 9, 2026 Board meeting, pending approval, the Board will name WCCS Assistant Superintendent Seth Slater as Interim Superintendent. Mr. Slater will work closely with the district’s leadership team, including CFO Todd Fleetwood, to continue the important work underway across the district.
As previously announced, Dr. Trent Lehman has been hired to serve as the next Superintendent for WCCS and will begin in this role on July 1, 2026. The Board also anticipates approving an interim agreement that will allow Dr. Lehman to begin working with district leadership later this school year, along with Mr. Slater to support a smooth transition.
We are grateful for Dr. McDermott’s leadership and 15-year commitment to the district, and we wish her well at this time and as she looks ahead to retirement.
The district remains focused on supporting students, staff, and families as we move forward.
WCCS Families,
For Wednesday, January 28, 2026, WCCS schools will be closed due to the continued Orange (Watch) Travel status and extensive drifting in areas across our district. We will utilize Monday, Feb. 16, as a snow make-up day.
Thank you,
Seth Slater, WCCS Assistant Superintendent
WCCS Families,
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, WCCS will be on a 2-hour delay due to current road conditions and expected negative double-digit windchills. In areas throughout the district and county, roads are drifted and snow-covered.
We will re-evaluate travel conditions early in the morning to determine if a change to this decision is necessary.
Thank you,
- Seth Slater, WCCS Assistant Superintendent