The hiring of two new teachers and presentations by two groups were on the agenda when the Wayne Community Schools' board of Education met on Monday.
Berkly Brummond was hired to fill the 9-12 Social Studies position and Tyler Prauner will be teaching junior high Social Studies starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Wayne High School Principal Russ Plager told the board that there were 16 applications for the high school position and four interviews were conducted. He noted that Brummond is familiar with the Wayne school and will be able to help with multiple extra curricular activities.
Prauner is currently teaching at Battle Creek Public Schools. He will also be able to assist with extra curricular activities.
Board members accepted the resignation of Hayden Delano, junior high Social Studies teacher. Delano has taken a position with Deshler Public Schools.
During the communications from the public portion of the meeting, students from Mrs. Alina Surber's Baking and Pastry class shared information with the board on what they have learned in the class and how that will assist them in real-life situations.
Vanessa Fernandez and Zander Liston told the board about skills they been able to use in the class, including math skills needed to produce the baking projects.
The second presentation of the meeting was by members of the Wayne Elementary Boosters (WEB). Brandy Saltzman and Allie Davis shared information with the board on the group's major fundraisers, including The Fun Run, the Mother/Son Dance and the Father/Daughter Dance.
They also provided a list of where the money raised is spent. This includes the Elementary Open House, gift cards for the Math/Science Night, school assemblies and recess equipment.
In other action, the board approved an extended contract for an additional 15 days for one of the Special Education instructors.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan explained what some of the responsibilities of this position would entail and noted that the extra time would provide support for Special Education Director Misty Beair.
Board members approved the quote for the technology upgrade for the district.
Technology Director Ben Promes explained to the board what the upgrades will consist of and the fact ESU #1 funds will pay for a portion of the $157,339.51 cost.
He said the new system will be "top notch" and allow for all three buildings to be connected.
Payment application No. 19 to Hausmann Construction, in the amount of $763,581.50 was approved.
Dr. Lenihan said he had the opportunity to tour the new Early Learning Center and "things are coming together really well. We are also working on the punch list of things that need to be finished at the high school and anticipate being able to have some type of open house this summer for the public."
Discussion was held on the School Resource Officer program at Wayne Community Schools.
Dr. Lenihan and all the building principals noted that "we have had only heard really good comments and kids are reaching out to him more and more. We see nothing but positive from this program."
No action was taken on a renewal of the contract, as Dr. Lenihan will meet with City Administrator Wes Blecke and Wayne Police Chief Marlen Chinn before moving forward with an agreement for the coming school year.
During Administration reports, Dr. Lenihan updated the board on the Heartland Counseling Program and talked about the district's state aid certification. He said that based on the formula that calculates the amount of funding each district receives, Wayne will receive $52,000 more than last year.
Wayne Community Schools' Foundation Director Rusty Parker shared information with the board on how the funds received by the Foundation are spent and noted that 81% of the assets are restricted and only can be used for specific purposes.
"We try to spend the money we receive on what has the most impact on the most students," Parker said.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, April 14 at 5 p.m. in the junior - senior high school library.
