The hiring of a 7-12 counselor and information on the district's English Language (EL) program highlighted Monday's meeting of the Wayne Community Schools' Board of education.
Jewel Kneifl, a Wayne High School graduate, was hired for the 2023-2024 school year to fill the 7-12 counselor position.
High School Principal Tucker Hight said there were two applicants for the position and he was "comfortable with Jewel's ability to work with the kids."
The position includes 20 summer contract days.
Misty Beair, Director of Special Education, gave a report on the district's English Language (EL) program. She listed the qualifications for a student to be admitted to the program and told the board that "we try to have the students as much as possible in the classroom."
Mrs. Beair also shared information on the levels of testing for the students and when they are able to move out of the program. She said the program involves teaching, listening, writing and reading.
The number of students is growing district-wide with 10.2% of the students enrolled at Wayne Community Schools receiving some type of services.
Other information provided to the board included the fact that a number of the students in the EL program are also working full-time jobs and the fact that the students are highly mobile. Many come into the Wayne district without transcripts from their former schools and therefore are generally enrolled as freshmen at Wayne High School.
In other action, the board set the final day of the 2022-2023 school year as May 23. School will be dismissed at 2 p.m. that day.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan also presented other dates of significance for the final weeks of the school year: Monday, May 8 - the final day for the seniors with practice for graduation on May 9; May 10 - the final day for preschool (graduation is set for Tuesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Junior-Senior High School Lecture Hall); Wednesday, May 24 - teacher work day and Friday, May 26 - last day for teachers.
The board accepted the graduation list for this year. The class of 2023 is made up of 73 members. This includes 42 boys and 31 girls.
Graduation ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will be held at Wayne High School.
First reading approval was given to the7-12 Student Handbook for the 2023-2024 school year.
High School Principal Tucker Hight talked about the changes to the document, including the fact that if a student is tardy three times, it will amount to an absence.
The Kids Club Handbook for the 2023-2024 school year also received first reading approval. Changes included information on flexibility with staff to get homework done during the after-school time frame.
The 2023-2024 Classified Staff Salary Schedule was also approved. Increase in hourly rates of compensation were approved and became effective April 10, which was the start of a new pay period.
Discussion was held on reason for this effective date. It was noted that this will help with retaining employees as they will know the hourly rate in advance of the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Superintendent Lenihan shared information with the board on a contract with Carlson West Povondra Architects for work with the school construction/renovation. He told the board the firm will charge a 7% fee for their work. This includes all fees throughout the project.
Dr. Lenihan also talked about the work the firm has been doing in recent weeks, including verification of measurements and working on scheduling for the project.
Information was provided to the board on a recent Rule 10 Safety Review at the school. The school received positive comments for work that had been done in the past year and suggestions for projects that need to be completed.
Dr. Lenihan said the district's Safety Team meets on a weekly basis throughout the school year to discuss a variety of topics.
On the topic of safety, board members asked about upgrading safety at both buildings. Grants may be available to upgrade the camera systems and provide for controlled entrances into the buildings.
Reports from administrators included information on the ACT testing process, Prom, assemblies at the elementary school, an internet safety presentation and class scheduling for junior high students.
Wayne Community Schools Foundation Director Rusty Parker shared information on the IDEA grant recipients, the Alumni Tournament and funds coming to the foundation during the last month.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, May 9 at 5 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
