Resignations of two teachers, discussion on the addition of a Level III program and information from a recent district audit were on the agenda when the Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education met on Monday.
Resignations from long-time PE teacher Rob Sweetland and Math teacher Lauren Gilliland were approved. Both are effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Considerable discussion was held on the second reading of an Agenda Item Management (AIM) document to add a Level III program to the district.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan shared information that had been added to the document since the first reading last month. This included data on the fact that the district could serve up to eight students next year. He also shared budget information on what would be needed to get a classroom prepared.
Special Education Director Misty Beair explained how the classroom would be organized and other parts of the plan. She noted that having the program in the district would "serve the students in the district in a good way."
Dr. Lenihan said that having the program would allow the district to have more control and noted that the recruitment of a teacher for the program would be the start of the process.
Board member Lynn Junck said he would like to see specific numbers for the cost of the remodel of the necessary rooms before moving forward as these may be higher than estimated.
Following discussion, the board voted 4-2 to move forward with Board members Lynn Junck and Brent Pick voting against.
Dustin Kizzie with Dana F. Cole & Company presented information on he district's recently completed audit.
Kizzie shared information, via ZOOM, on what the district's responsibilities were and what his firm's responsibilities were throughout the process. He discussed a list of programs in the district and the amount of spending by each of these and talked about the different funds that were part of the audit.
The significant deficiencies found were the lack of segregation of duties, financial statement presentation and the need for formal accounting policies.
Superintendent Lenihan told the board he appreciates working with Dana F. Cole & Company and thanked them for the work they have done.
Later in the meeting, the board acknowledged receiving the audit.
Second reading approval was given for an AIM document for the adding of a Technology Help Desk position for the district.
There were no changes made from last month's first reading and the position will be an hourly rate position. It was noted that at one time, there were four people in this department and currently there is one person with occasional part-time help.
A negotiated agreement between the district and the Wayne Education Association was approved for the 2026-2027 school year. There will be a $2,200 increase, bringing the base pay to $43,100.
Also approved was a superintendent three-year contract beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The salary for the coming year will be $122,600.
In other action, board members approved an increase in school lunches, effective Jan. 6, 2025. Lunch prices will increase from $3.10 to $3.50 for all Pre-K through 12th grade students.
Dr. Lenihan told the board members that the current prices are not allowing the district to keep with the costs of food and supplies. He also said the new rates will put the district in the range for area schools.
Members of the Wayne High School Yearbook staff were at the meeting to share information about the school yearbook.
Advisor Diana Davis told the board that there are 19 students enrolled in the yearbook class.
She shared information on the process of putting a yearbook together and noted that in recent years a Wayne High School student has designed the cover for the book with a different theme each year.
The yearbook is self-sufficient, with the sale of the books and ads throughout the book paying for the publication costs.
First reading approval was given on an AIM document in regard to adding a Pre-K - 8 Art teacher to the staff in the district. Discussion was held on the duties to this position and how it would help in other academic areas.
It will be brought back for second reading at the next meeting.
Board members officially approved the appointment of Nicole Rager as a bookkeeper for the district.
The Wayne Community Schools' Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Monday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. in the junior-senior high school library.
