Whitley County Consolidated Schools

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

For Tuesday, January 27, 2026, WCCS will be on a Synchronous Learning Day due to the continued Orange (Watch) travel status and snow-covered and slick roads throughout the district.

For Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the Whitley County Travel Watch status, WCCS will be on a Synchronous Learning Day.

CCHS Important Reminder:

What: FAFSA Completion Night
When: January 21, 2026, 3-7PM
Where: Columbia City High School Cafe

[Click Here for Important Reminders and Checklist]

Our FAFSA Completion Night is almost here! Seniors and families are encouraged to attend for FREE help in completing this crucial financial aid form. Experts from INvestEd will help you file the FAFSA with confidence while avoiding common mistakes.

INvestEd is an Indiana not-for-profit and has offered FREE help to families for over 40 years. For more information on INvestEd check out their website: www.investedindiana.org

We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
CCHS Counselors

ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN: MARY RABER MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Give your child the gift of hands-on learning, curiosity, and confidence! We are currently accepting applications for learners Ages 3 through 5th Grade.

ACT FAST -- SEATS ARE LIMITED

Our specific enrollment window is open NOW through February 28, 2026. Please do not wait to secure your spot in our multi-age, child-centered classrooms.

CLICK BELOW TO APPLY & LEARN MORE:
https://www.wccsonline.com/o/mrms/page/admissions

Questions? Call Mary Raber Montessori at 260-244-5857

Whitley County Consolidated Schools ANNOUNCEMENT. Due to extreme cold temperatures in the district, we will be on a two-hour delay for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20th. Please ensure students are dressed warmly for their commute. Thank you and stay safe.

December Excellence at WCCS!

We are thrilled to announce our Teacher and Staff of the Month winners for December! Please join us in congratulating:

Jeni Mullett – Teacher of the Month

Brian Bills – Staff of the Month

WCCS Announcement-UPDATE

Please be advised that WCCS will implement a synchronous learning day on Thursday, January 15, to ensure the safety of our staff and students. Further guidance and schedule details will be available in your latest school email.

WCCS Announcement:
2-Hour Delay, Thursday January 15th
Winter Weather Conditions

Whitley County Consolidated Schools Announces Next Superintendent: Dr. Trent Lehman

Click here for more details: Newsletter