Wawasee School Board Approves $48.3M Budget, Reviews ILEARN Scores

The Wawasee Community School Corp. board approved a roughly $48.3 million spending plan for 2027 at its Oct. 13 meeting. The district's chief financial officer, Brandon Penrod, said the plan includes an operations levy ceiling of $9.27 million, but that property tax caps and credits are expected to trim collections by close to $600,000. As a result, operating revenue stays mostly level even though costs are rising. Final tax rates will be set after state review, and the district could lower its advertised debt-service levy at that point. Trustees also adopted a 2027-29 capital projects plan and a 2027-31 bus replacement plan, which Penrod said does not commit the district to replacing every listed bus. They also passed preliminary resolutions for a possible $1.5 million bond, with a six-year maximum repayment term and a 7% interest cap. Penrod described those as upper limits, and more steps would be needed before any bonds are issued.

Assistant Superintendent Michelle Walden reviewed spring 2026 ILEARN results for grades three to eight. In reading and writing, under half of third and fourth graders reached proficiency, and middle school results fell well below state averages. In math, 54% of third and fourth graders reached proficiency, above state averages, though scores dropped in later grades. Walden pointed to revised state standards and scoring thresholds, which complicate comparisons with earlier years, and to new English curricula. She said most students who fell short were rated as approaching proficiency. Superintendent Kent Myers said a new state accountability grade is expected in November.

During public comment, resident Curt Hursey asked again whether board work sessions will continue and requested a detailed accounting of the middle school pool project. Myers promised an answer in November, along with a public presentation by pool contractors. He said the project remains under the $8.5 million figure Hursey cited. The board meets next on Nov. 10.