MSD Wabash County Schools board approves $1 million rainy-day transfer, honors teachers and students

The MSD Wabash County Schools board approved a series of routine year-end actions and recognition items, including a $1,000,000 transfer from the operations fund to the district rainy day fund and multiple student field trips for 2026.

The board unanimously approved an administration recommendation to move $1,000,000 into the district rainy day fund "while we can," citing uncertainty about upcoming matters described in the meeting as "SCA 1." Unidentified Speaker 5 presented the recommendation and the motion carried by voice vote with no opposition.

The board also approved several donations the meeting packet listed for school programs: a $1,089 contribution from Harmon Photography for Metro Road Elementary school photos; a $400 anonymous donation for Sharp Creek Elementary (as read in the packet); a $200 anonymous donation for Metro North classroom support; $16 from Angela Becker Orthodontics for staff/student use at Southland Elementary; $1,200 from the Black Black Bow Giving Fund for Northfield robotics; and a $13,000 gift from the Southwood Booster Club intended as $1,000 for each of 13 athletic programs. Unidentified Speaker 1 moved and the board approved the donations by voice vote.

On personnel and administrative items, the board approved resignations and new hires listed in the HR report and accepted leaves as presented. The HR slate included resignations for Jeff Maslin and Megan Davis and multiple hires and coaching assignments; the motion to approve the HR report passed unanimously.

Board members recognized staff and students. Danielle Renbarger was introduced as the district staff member of the year for Metro North Elementary; the recognition included remarks noting her reliability, approachability and PTO leadership. "She is a joy to observe with her students, to see the relationships they form with her and the way they look to her with trust," an unnamed presenter said in announcing the honor. Stacy Meredith was recognized as Metro North's teacher of the year for creating creative learning environments and high expectations for students.

Student achievements called out in the meeting included exemplary sportsmanship reports for Northfield and NHS wrestling from official Eric Lopshire; two students, Fiona Schmelker and Colin Beal, were named to the 3 Rivers honors band and will perform at Purdue Fort Wayne in December; and Natalie Deck qualified as an individual for the state FFA entomology contest.

A construction update covered work at Sharp Creek and Metro North: presenters described drywall and rough-in progress, a planned gym slab pour, recent STEM lab concrete pours, window installations and a target to turn interior spaces over after spring break. The construction presenter noted some exterior metal panel work and a stainless-steel roof installation projected toward the end of the month.

The board approved routine financial items, including claims and payroll (runs 9 and 10). The business manager noted payroll run 9 was higher than usual because coach stipends and related payments were included; asbestos removal costs in a gym project were also discussed. The board was told the state board of accounts audit is underway and that bond closing paperwork is expected in the coming week.

Field trips approved included a senior class trip to New York and Boston (March 2026) and an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. (March 15–18, 2026). The board also approved an appointment of Isabelle Schaeffer to the Rowan/Paul Township Library Board of Trustees to fill the position vacated by Holly Kendall.

The meeting closed after a call for unfinished business and a move to public comment.